The time has come and now 10 years on from our first planting, with the vines well settled down, Ballochdale Estate is to produce its inaugural Pinot Noir wine. The grapes were not selected from any particular part of the vineyard but rather a random sample of mixed clones to show what the vineyard produces.
This is the Ballochdale Estate 2010 Single Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir.
This is expected to be available from mid 2012 via the website in very small quantities in both New Zealand and the UK. The grapes were all handpicked and matured in oak in the traditional manner.
Ballochdale Estate has supplied many parcels of grapes, selling by the row, to at least 10 different wineries over the years and has now settled down with supplying premium and ultra premium quality grapes to compatible companies with a view to the quality end of the market.
The relationship with the people and the wineries is very important to us as we try to achieve the highest standard in the game.
All companies get a mix of different clones. Most of the Pinot Noir is hand picked and sometimes a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc. Ballochdale currently supplies premium and ultra premium Pinot Noir grapes to all of the following Wineries and also Sauvignon Blanc to Villa Maria and Claymore Vintners.
Jules Taylor Wines www.julestaylor.com
The grapes from Ballochdale go into Jules’ Marlborough Pinot Noir. She has in the past made a single vineyard wine (Jules Taylor Ballochdale Pinot Noir 2009) from the Estate. There is talk of a Single Vineyard Ballochdale Sauvignon Blanc coming.
See Jules' comment on Facebook here
Constellation NZ www.nobilo.co.nz/icon.html
Supplying the top end grapes for this large Winery their Icon label Pinot Noir 2008 and 2009 are examples of wine made from the vineyard .These are blends of wines but predominately made from fruit from Ballochdale and has done well on the international market. The wine was recommended on Good Morning America for Mothers Day.
Astrolabe Wines www.astrolabewines.co.nz
Look for their Discovery Pinot Noir label.
Ballochdale is one of two premium Pinot Noir sites supplying grapes for this company.
Villa Maria www.villamaria.co.nz
Our Pinot Noir goes into their Reserve and Cellar selection range.
Esk Valley Wines and Vidal also use a significant percentage our fruit in their Marlborough Pinot Noir. The Sauvignon Blanc goes into their Private Bin wine, but when a Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ballochdale 2006 wine was produced it won a Gold medal in the London International Wine show.
Hancocks www.hancocks.co.nz
GROWERS MARK 'Ballochdale' Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009 is available to buy through Hancocks. Tasting notes here
Mystery Creek Wines www.mysterycreekwines.com
Mystery Creek Wines
have made a two Single Vineyard wines from Ballochdale fruit which are available at The Woodbox Restaurant at Mystery Creek and also at the winery. Another different style, do try it.
“Mystery Creek Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010” and “Mystery Creek Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010”.
Matua Wines www.matua.co.nz
We have recently signed with Matua Wines to supply a significant parcel of Pinot Noir grapes targeting their premium market
Ballochdale Pinot Noir fruit has featured in many award wining wines from the above wineries and has had considerable influence on what Marlborough Pinot Noir is capable of producing.