05-Oct-2016
The ‘Alpine Valley’ and ‘Maui’ brands are siblings to the ‘Tiki Estates’ wines of Royce and Sue McKean. They offer more affordability and accessibility. The ‘Alpine Valley’ name refers to the vast mountain ranges of the South Island, but in particular the Upper Wairau Valley where the McKeans have their 225 ha of Marlborough vineyards. The ‘Maui’ brand recalls the Maori demi-god, one legend telling of hoe Maui fished New Zealand out of the sea. Here, I review the 2016 vintage Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris releases under the Alpine Valley and Maui brands. The wines are very similar and show a house style. www.tikiwine.com
