Winner - Winery of the Year 2017
“Black Estate’s wines have caused more discussion amongst our judges than any other, leading to rather late nights on more than one occasion... Each wine they produce adds complexity and depth beyond what you expect, when you think you have a complete understanding of the wine another layer unfolds and adds to the intrigue. Black Estate achieved more Gold and Silver medals than any other vineyard partaking in the 2017 awards.”
NEW ZEALAND ORGANIC WINE AWARDS
"I think I may have a crush on this relative newcomer. Everything they have turns to gold... They can’t put a foot wrong at the moment. Keep your eyes – and lips – on this Waipara outfit."
Rebecca Gibb MW for JamesSuckling.com
Black Estate have certainly established themselves as one of the stars of North Canterbury in recent years. This comes as no surprise to those of us who have witnessed the team quietly working over the past few years to develop their three vineyards into some of the most delightful in New Zealand.
Absolute passion for their land and dedication to their vines is behind every action taken by Nicholas, Penelope and the team. We’re impressed more and more by every release, and are delighted to be able to offer these wines to the Australian market.
Penelope Naish and Nicholas Brown:
"We farm organically & with biodynamic practices to work with nature, rather than against it. Organics means we don’t use any systemic sprays on our land, which would destroy the microbial life and ecosystems there. Offering wines to enjoy without any chemical residues is another motivation.
We also use biodynamics, a practice which energises and inspires us... biodynamics teaches us to see each of our three vineyards in a holistic way. The vines, fields, forests, animals, plants, soils, compost, people and the spirit of the place are equally important. When all considered, our sites can build their own sustaining natural rhythms."
Featured Wines
Home Young Vines Chardonnay
2022
From a small fan of younger vines planted in 2011, on the north-facing hillside right above the original Chardonnay vines. Fresh, delicate aromas of white peach, almond, flint, and vanilla. The palate is concentrated and textural with apple, nectarine, yuzu and honey with vibrant saline characters.
"Excellent. Young, vibrant and charming bouquet of fresh red apple and peach, there’s a lovely core of earthy mineral scents from clay to chalk and layers of wood spices and fresh cashew-nut complexity. Vibrant and lovely on the palate, youthful with acidity that dances across the palate, textures from acidity and wood then flavours of grapefruit flesh and peel, apple and lemon and a wild ferment layer of flinty spices and wood. Well made, very youthful still and needs some more time in cellar. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029."
Cameron Douglas MS
Home Cabernet Franc
2021
Complex aromas of blackcurrant, violets, sandalwood, and vanilla pod. The supple fruits are followed by mouth filling tannin that bring on earth and autumnal leaves followed by a saline salty finish. Zero sulphur.
"Outstanding. Fantastic bouquet, varietal and primary with dark berries and olive paste, black berry and plum flesh, a core mineral earth quality and baking spices of toasty barrel. New, fresh and enticing. Delicious on the palate, dry, taut and mineral with contrasting dark red stone fruit flavours, plum and baking spices. Taut with plenty of squeeze from tannins and acidity. A wine that will reward if left to mature and integrate more. Complex and dry, persistent and complex. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+."
Cameron Douglas MS
Home Pinot Noir
2021
From the original Black Estate vines planted in 1994. Aromas of dark plum, spice, black olive, woody herbs, cinnamon, violets and earth. The palate has density and weight typical of Pinot Noirs from the Home vineyard with emerging velvet fruit flavours and a persistent bright mineral finish.
"Excellent. There’s a wonderful vibrato and energy with primary red fruit aromas of boysenberry and crushed black cherry flesh, there’s a fine dried herb and earthy mineral combination then crushed red flowers and wood spices. Complex and youthful with a taut bouquet. Dry, taut, fruity, varietal and high energy on the palate, a youthful squeeze with acidity then contrasting core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. Firm tannins are in abundance, polished and new, acidity sets the backbone in place and oak layers through wood flavours and textures. A lovely example that just needs time. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+."
Cameron Douglas MS