Early summer and midsummer were extremely hot and dry, but the latter part was cooler, bringing the season back into balance. A long warm autumn ensured the fruit was in optimal condition when picked.

This vintage represents a change in style and direction for Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc. We recognised the exceptional potential of the fruit when the grapes were still on the vine and at that stage carefully planned every step in the wine making, with one aim in view, namely to fuse the unique aromas and flavours into an harmonious whole and tuck them away safely into the bottle. Fine wine takes time and we decided not to hurry the winemaking. We have also allowed it to settle down and develop in the bottle before being released.

Early and mid-summer were very hot, but the weather cooled later in summer. Autumn was warm and lingering. The fruit ripened well, retaining good natural acidity. Chardonnay is the white grape of Burgundy and this wine was made using traditional Burgundian techniques.

Early summer and midsummer were extremely hot and dry, but the latter part was cooler, bringing the season back into balance. A long warm autumn ensured the fruit was in optimal condition when picked.

This wine is a blend of riesling from the Waipara Valley and further on the Canterbury Plains. The growing season was quite different in these 2 regions and the resulting fruit characteristics have been complementary. Waipara experienced both hot and cool periods over the summer, which was followed by a long, warm, dry autumn. This resulted in stone fruit flavours, concentration and richness. It was quite a lot cooler on the Canterbury Plains, which has emphasised apple and citrus fruit characters and added freshness, crispness and elegance.