27-Apr-2017
Johner Estate is the Wairarapa wine growing venture of Karl Heinz Johner, which he established at the end of Dakins Road, Gladstone in 2001. The operation complements his family winery in the Kaiserstuhl region in Germany. Both estates are focussed on Pinot Noir, and in the Gladstone vineyard there are 7.2 ha of varied Burgundian clones planted, followed by Sauvignon Blanc, and a dozen other varieties to make a diverse range of wines. The wines bridge the stylistic gap between the Old World and the New World, and are designed to complement food as a priority. Karl supplements his estate fruit with contracted local fruit. Karl has Raphael Burki from Switzerland as winemaker, with Johner since 2006. Tina Theedom is the vineyard manager, and Stephen Bates and Dale Morris support their work. Sara Bradey, well-known in the Wellington wine community, is the amiable cellar door manager. Here, I review the 2016 Wairarapa Riesling and 2015 Gladstone Pinot Noir, considered star varieties in both countries. www.johner-estate.com
