Amisfield, NZ
The Winery
Amisfield was established in 1988 just outside Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island, producing pinot noir and aromatic white wines created from fruit grown on its vineyard, beneath the Pisa Mountain range in the Cromwell Basin.
Once a prominent high country merino station, Amisfield is now one of the largest single vineyard estates in the Central Otago region. In fact, the majority of vines on the 80 hectares currently planted are over ten years old.
A state-of-the-art purpose built winery is the focal point of the vineyard. Pinot Noir accounts for 60% of the production with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling making up the balance.
The Cellar Door
Our wines are showcased at the Lake Hayes Bistro and Cellar Door where more than 50,000 New Zealand and international guests sample the range of vintages every year. Housed in a beautiful stone building, the complex is at one with the landscape thanks to the use of local schist, copper roofing and recycled hardwood timber.
The Cellar Door has a good value wine tasting offer – taste any five wines for just $8. Should you purchase any, the $8 is refunded.
Before or after your tasting, settle in for a wonderful lunch at The Bistro, which offers an a la carte menu, that changes daily, and the “Trust the Chef” signature menu which offers a shared dining experience, with dishes selected by the chef based on fresh produce and ingredients available on the day. Open seven days from 11.30am – 8pm.
A Royal Visit
Amisfield had very important visitors in April, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dined at The Bistro, walked through the vineyard and tasted the latest vintage – the Amisfield Pinot Noir 2011.
The Wines
The 2014 Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc
Amisfield’s Sauvignon Blanc is uniquely Central Otago. It is grown on the top terraces and they choose to machine harvest it – the only varietal on the Amisfield vineyard, in fact, that they pick by machine. According to the Tasting Notes, the wine is “pale straw in colour with aromatics typical of a lively New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc displaying freshly cut pineapple and pink grapefruit notes. The wild fermented barrel component adds another dimension of ripe stone fruit aromatics with subtle creamy notes and texture across the palate with refined minerality.” RRP: $25
The Amisfield Pinot Noir 2011
This drop is Amisfield’s signature wine. This wine is made from nine clones of pinot noir and grown on several different soil types, adding complexity. This wine is fermented naturally with gentle handling and allowed to mature quietly in French oak barriques. Tasting Notes:
“A vibrant ruby colour. The nose is exceptionally aromatic and complex- fresh red cherries, baking spices and fine oak. The palate is taut, spicy yet silky and fruit driven with a delicate finish. Drink now or in four to five years.” RRP: $45
The Amisfield Pinot Noir Rose 2014
The release of their rose is the sign that spring is here – made from specially selected pinot noir fruit. Aromas of rose petals, fresh watermelon and summer berries spring to mind. The palate is silky with enticing summer fruit flavours and a refreshingly soft but dry finish. Tasting Notes: “A pretty vibrant pink, crimson colour reminiscent of the “Romeo” rose. Aromas of rose petals, strawberries and cream and a hint of fresh watermelon. The palate
is silky with enticing summer fruit flavours and a refreshingly soft but dry finish.” RRP: $30
Details
Amisfield
10 Lake Hayes Road,
Queenstown, New Zealand
Helen Hayes
© Copyright The Finer Things
Photography Credit
Shantanu Starick
shantanustarick.com
