1996 – Viticultural advice indicated that about 15 acres of our 93 acre property were well suited to traditional Bordeaux varieties, particularly merlot and cabernet franc
1997 -4 acres planted in merlot and cabernet franc
1998 - Half an acre planted in malbec
1999 - Our wine was made on site in temporary facilities pending the construction of a custom made winery
2000 – Half an acre of cabernet sauvignon was added to balance out the blend
The 2000 vintage was produced from very low yields and is very concentrated. It was matured in 70% new French oak and bottled in December 2001.
2001 - another half acre of cabernet franc planted - the newer cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc plantings are top Bordeaux clones of which our planting is one of the first commercial plantings in New Zealand
The 2001 vintage was tiny, only about 3 tonnes. The wine, bottled in December 2002, is delicate and seductive.
2002 – The 2002 vintage was bounteous, fully ripe and healthy. We picked over 10 tonnes, including our first few barrels of malbec and cabernet sauvignon, and produced our first reserve wine.
2003 – The 2003 vintage was another delicate vintage
2004 – Construction of a dedicated winery began in March 2004 and was completed in November 2004
The 2004 vintage was a blockbuster that achieved our best ever ripeness and volumes
2005 - We produced our first vintage in the new winery
