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The Vines

They say Pinot Noir is the hardest grape to grow.          But that didn't deter us, it just made the learning curve steeper. 

 

When we bought the property the vineyard was in pretty bad shape.  About a third of the plants had not survived, the weeds were out of control and the systems to water and protect the vines from frost were barely functioning. 

 

In the first couple of years, we had some amazing help from friends and neighbours as we juggled commuting between Wellington and Marlborough and working day jobs to help fund this new enterprise.

 

Now working in the vineyard is Kevin's domain and those vines, well they are now producing award-winning wines.

 

The vines take up 20% of our land, we have matched that with land set aside for establishing a wetland. 

 

 

Vineyard data

  • Dayvinleigh Vineyard exclusively grows Pinot Noir.

  • Planted area of 4 hectares.

  • Row spacing 2 metres

  • Plant spacing 1.5m

  • Plants per hectare to 3333

  • Frost protection Dan Flippers 

  • Block 1: 2.7 hectares planted 2003, first harvest 2007

  • Block 2: 1.3 hectares planted 2008, first harvest 2011

  • Pinot Noir clones: B115 and UCD 5 supported by small pockets of 667, 777, UCD 6, B114 and DRC Able on root stock of 3309 and Riparia Gloire.

  • Trellising converted to spur prune 2012

  • Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand  accredited since 2008

Harvest History

Updates from the Vineyard

2020

​​​Two Rivers, Isle of Beauty Rosé 2020 
   62% of this vintage sourced from Dayvinleigh Vineyard
 
 

New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition 2020 – GOLD

​

Cameron Douglas, MS – 92 points, premium

“Floral, ripe, delicate, fruity and a decidedly pretty bouquet with aromas of white blossoms and light red berry fruits. On the palate - mouth-watering acidity gives way to flavours of red melon and cranberry, white strawberry and tropical fruits. The delicate blossom note returns long with a touch of stony minerality. No mistaking the acidity and crunchy textures. Balanced and well made.”- Aug 2020

 

Sam Kim, NZ – 5 stars, 94 points

“Exquisitely elegant and delicately fragrant, the wine shows crunchy apple, white flesh nectarine, lemon peel and white floral aromas on the nose, followed by a finely focused palate that's persistent and linear. It's light and fabulous poised with juicy flavours, finishing splendidly long and crisp.” – Aug 2020

 

Angie Atkinson, The Wine Writer – 5 stars

“I’m obsessed with the packaging, very smart and super pretty. A lovely pale pink with bright, fresh aromas of sweet cherry, lemon pith, green apple, and white blossom. The dry, softly textured palate has flavours of ripe citrus, apple, cranberry and wet stone minerality with mouth watering acidity. This wine is crisp, elegant, and delightful to drink.” – Aug 2020

​

Raymond Chan Wine Reviews NZ – 5 stars, 18.5/20

“Bright, light salmon-pink with a tinge of rose-gold, even throughout. The bouquet is elegant with subtleties of flower petals, honeydew melon, cranberries and fresh oregano. Light-bodied, dry to taste, amalgam flavours of watermelon, honeydew melon, cranberries, sherbet, melded with wild herbs and green peppercorn. The fruit flavours are well-proportioned with sweet and sour fruit, pure and vibrant; balanced lacy acidity flows with vitality, unveiling deep fragrances of flower petals, wild herbs, sea salt to linearity. The mouthfeel is smooth and light with vibrancy, a light note of green peppercorn is lifting and appealing. This is a light, and crisp dry rose with attractive fruit flavours, balanced acidity and freshness, lingers with subtle floral, herbs and sea salt.”- Candice Chow,  Aug 2020

 

Yvonne Lorkin, NZ – 5 stars

“Boasting the most perfect pink diamond colour, it’s like a liquid version of JLo, Beyoncé and Mariah’s engagement rings. While this Southern stunner might hail from Marlborough, each sip catapults you to the island of Corsica in Southern France, which is where winemaker David Clouston honed his rosé skills. Deliciously dry and pinging with pink peppercorn and ripe raspberry on the nose and palate, it’s laced with zesty seabreeze and summer florals, crammed with crunchy acidity and boasts mineral-driven, marathon-like length of flavour. An outrageously pretty wine.” – Oct 2020

 

Bob Campbell MW, NZ – 92 points, 4 stars

“Pale pink rosé with delicate red rose petal, raspberry and subtle oyster-shell flavours supported by tangy acidity that helps drive a lingering and bone-dry finish.” – Aug 2020

 

Michael Cooper, NZ – 4 ½ stars

“Pale pink, it is a vivacious, medium-bodied wine with fresh, youthful, strawberryish flavours, hints of spices and apricots, good intensity, and a dry (1.3 grams/litre of residual sugar), lingering finish. Well worth trying.” - Jan 2021

2019

Two Rivers, Isle of Beauty Rosé 2019
25% of this vintage sourced from Dayvinleigh Vineyard
 
Gold Medal  -  International Rosé Championship 2020
Trophy         -  Champion Rosé 2019 - NZ Wine of the Year
Trophy         - Best Rosé Wine 2019  -
                       Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 

2018

​​Clark Estate Dayvinleigh Rosé 2018
Exclusively Dayvinleigh fruit

2017

​Clark Estate Dayvinleigh Rosé 2017
   Trophy for Champion Rosé - Romeo Bragato Awards
   Gold Medal -2017 Romeo Bragato Awards
   Silver Medal - 2017 International Wine Show 
   Silver Media - 2017 Marlborough Wine Show
   Bronze Medal- 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards
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Clark Estate "Upper Wairau" Pinot Noir 2017
Bronze  - NZ International Wine Show 2018
Bronze - New World Wine Awards 2018
​
Clark Estate Clericus Pinot Noir 

2016

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir

2015

Villa Maria Private Vin Pinot Noir

2014

​Bird Wines Big Barrel Pinot Noir
Bronze - 2016 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards

2013

Bird Wines Big Barrel Pinot Noir
   

2012

Bird Wines Big Barrel Point Noir
 Double Gold - San Fransisco International Wine Competition
scoring 96 points

2011

Kim Crawford Regional Reserve Pinot Noir

2010

Allan Scott Cecilia Rosé Methode Traditionnelle NV

2009

Allan Scott Family Winemakers’ Les Joues Rouges

2008

Allan Scott Cecilia Rosé Methode Traditionnelle NV.

2007

Pernod Ricard Stoneleigh Pinot Noir.
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