Out and about here and there
Wanaka is the last stop before Queenstown and sits on the southern end of Lake Wanaka. Like all the southern islands glacial lakes it is big, deep and cold. It is 42km long (26 miles) and at its widest point is 10km across. Its average depth is around 300m. It is one big lake! Photographs can’t really do it justice but here are two to try.
If there were an award for most beautiful vineyard location in the world Rippon would be right up there with the contenders. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the views from the tasting room over the lake are simply stunning.
The land has been in the hands of the Mills family for over one hundred years but serious grape growing only began in 1982 with wines first sold commercially in 1989. There has always been a strong commitment to organic farming practices and Rippon has been operationally biodynamic since 2002 and received certification in 2016.
THE WINES
Rippon Osteiner 2017. A cross between Riesling and Sylvaner, Osteiner is a wine that comes in at a relatively low, by todays standards, 10.8% alcohol. This makes it an ideal wine for quaffing on a sunny afternoon. Crisp and dry with aromas of apricot and a nice texture. A very drinkable wine. The only wine sold under screwscrewcapcap.
Rippon Sauvignon Blanc 2016. Aromas of lime and gooseberry, this wine has a flinty minerality. The use of neutral oak for fermentation of 40% of the grapes has produced a Sauvignon with good texture. Well balanced with a nice limey finish.
Rippon “Rippon” Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2013. This wine has spent two years in barrel and one in bottle before release. Nose is dark cherry, raspberry, strawberry and a hint of coffee. Palate is lovely cherry fruit with a nice savoury finish.
Rippon “Rippon” Mature Vine Riesling 2016. Fermented with stainless steel tank on its side to give greater contact and has spent 100 days on lees. Lemon and lime citrus, slightly floral. Nice weight, well balance and really nice finish.
Rippon Gewurztraminer 2017. Nose is floral, citrus, pear. This is a well made wine that is food friendly and has a long finish of pears with a small touch of honey. Well balanced
Sadly there were no Emma’s Block or Tinker’s Field Pinot Noirs available for tasting
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