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Christmas Twin Pack – “From Our Home to Yours”
This Christmas Twin Pack brings together two expressions of our home vineyard—grown side by side on the red, gravel-laden slopes overlooking the Ngaruroro River in Hawke’s Bay’s Mangatahi sub-region.
2021 Frank’s Selection Syrah is drawn from a special dry-farmed parcel within the vineyard, honouring a close friend who once cared for this land. Hand-picked, whole-bunch fermented, basket pressed, and matured in French oak, it carries the vineyard’s character with intensity and grace. Bottled on site with minimal handling, it may develop a natural sediment over time—a gentle sign of its thoughtful, unhurried journey.
Our 2024 Home Block Chardonnay comes from vines rooted in the same deep red gravels, sitting at 165 metres above sea level with a subtle north-facing tilt. They produce Chardonnay of remarkable depth and purity, shaped quietly by the contours and soils of the place we call home.
Together, these two wines offer a harmonious portrait of one vineyard told through two varieties—distinct in style, united in origin. A rare and meaningful gift for the season, crafted in extremely limited quantity.
Tasting Notes
'Frank's Selection' Syrah 2021:
In the glass, it’s dark in colour with an aroma that is immediate and captivating—blueberry, five-spice, licorice and a flicker of black pepper. The palate is rich with fruit-derived tannin and supporting French oak characters.
A Syrah that’s expressive and elegant on its own, yet built to sing alongside beef, lamb, or wild game.
'Home Block’ Chardonnay 2024:
Classic aromas of peaches and cream take centre stage, complemented by hints of roasted hazelnut and acacia. The palate is rich and layered, showcasing ripe fruit flavours, a touch of nougat, and a long, lingering finish.
This Chardonnay is delightful on its own yet also pairs beautifully with your favourite seafood or chicken dishes.
The Vintage
'Frank's Selection' Syrah 2021:
A warm spring catalysed an early bud burst. Sporadic rainfall coupled with warmer than average temperatures set a moderate crop through spring and early summer. From mid-summer, warm dry conditions persisted through until harvest yielding fully ripe, concentrated fruit in impeccable condition.
'Home Block’ Chardonnay 2024:
A prolonged winter delayed budburst, while a cool, windy spring further challenged the vines, leading to poor fruit set and exceptionally low yields. However, the warm, dry summer that followed nurtured a stunning vintage of ripe, intensely concentrated fruit.
This Christmas Twin Pack brings together two expressions of our home vineyard—grown side by side on the red, gravel-laden slopes overlooking the Ngaruroro River in Hawke’s Bay’s Mangatahi sub-region.
2021 Frank’s Selection Syrah is drawn from a special dry-farmed parcel within the vineyard, honouring a close friend who once cared for this land. Hand-picked, whole-bunch fermented, basket pressed, and matured in French oak, it carries the vineyard’s character with intensity and grace. Bottled on site with minimal handling, it may develop a natural sediment over time—a gentle sign of its thoughtful, unhurried journey.
Our 2024 Home Block Chardonnay comes from vines rooted in the same deep red gravels, sitting at 165 metres above sea level with a subtle north-facing tilt. They produce Chardonnay of remarkable depth and purity, shaped quietly by the contours and soils of the place we call home.
Together, these two wines offer a harmonious portrait of one vineyard told through two varieties—distinct in style, united in origin. A rare and meaningful gift for the season, crafted in extremely limited quantity.
Tasting Notes
'Frank's Selection' Syrah 2021:
In the glass, it’s dark in colour with an aroma that is immediate and captivating—blueberry, five-spice, licorice and a flicker of black pepper. The palate is rich with fruit-derived tannin and supporting French oak characters.
A Syrah that’s expressive and elegant on its own, yet built to sing alongside beef, lamb, or wild game.
'Home Block’ Chardonnay 2024:
Classic aromas of peaches and cream take centre stage, complemented by hints of roasted hazelnut and acacia. The palate is rich and layered, showcasing ripe fruit flavours, a touch of nougat, and a long, lingering finish.
This Chardonnay is delightful on its own yet also pairs beautifully with your favourite seafood or chicken dishes.
The Vintage
'Frank's Selection' Syrah 2021:
A warm spring catalysed an early bud burst. Sporadic rainfall coupled with warmer than average temperatures set a moderate crop through spring and early summer. From mid-summer, warm dry conditions persisted through until harvest yielding fully ripe, concentrated fruit in impeccable condition.
'Home Block’ Chardonnay 2024:
A prolonged winter delayed budburst, while a cool, windy spring further challenged the vines, leading to poor fruit set and exceptionally low yields. However, the warm, dry summer that followed nurtured a stunning vintage of ripe, intensely concentrated fruit.