 Portfolio
Robert Bath Imports continues with extensive research, tasting and personal trips to New Zealand. As a result, we have discovered properties that are below the radar and definitely on their way to greatness; These include...
Central Otago is the newest and the fastest growing appellation in New Zealand. These vineyards are located further south than any other growing region in the world. The moderate temperatures, plentiful sunshine and limiting soils have proven ideal for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Berridge has developed vineyards in three key sub regions of Central Otago: Bannockburn, Lower Burn and Gibbston. Berridge Pinot Noir is a blend of grapes from these three vineyards made by Dean Shaw, regarded as one of the top winemakers in Central Otago.
Hatton Estate is a small property located in the Hawke’s Bay region, an area that produces New Zealand’s finest Bordeaux styled wines. Their vineyard and winery are situated in a sub region of Hawke’s Bay called Gimblett Gravels, an old, rocky riverbed that naturally produces low quantities of high quality grapes. Tahi is the Maori word for “one” and this wine is only made in selected vintages from the finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A mere twenty cases were allocated to the United States. Carsons is named for the very talented vineyard manager of Hatton Estate and represents a dramatic version of Cabernet Franc framed with Cabernet Sauvignon. Hatton Estate also produces an unoaked Chardonnay called EC2 (Experimental Chardonnay 2) that is an surprising replica of French Chablis.
Combine the winemaking talents of Sara Morkane Deans and exceptional vineyard locations in Marlborough and Canterbury and you have Pheasant Grove wines. Low yields and traditional farming techniques are combined with careful vinification to produce wines that have outstanding purity, concentration and varietal character.
Borthwick Estate
The Borthwick family planted almost fifty acres of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in the heart of Wairarapa in 1996. Winemaker Paddy Borthwick has worked with the likes of Alan Scott in New Zealand and Saintsbury in California, developing a well rounded perspective about quality winemaking. The Wairarapa region is located on the southern tip of the North Island and features growing conditions that are much more akin to the South Island, plenty of sun and rocky, well drained soils.
Martinus
Robert and Susan van Zanten planted a small, five acre vineyard ten years ago adjacent to some of the most famous names in Martinborough. Total production is just 200 cases of concentrated, rich, distinctive Pinot Noir, needless to say, very little is coming to this country. A printer by day, Robert has promised to gradually increase production but not compromise quality. Martinborough is the home of top quality Pinot Noir on the North Island.
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