17-Sep-2014
Kina Cliffs is the winegrowing venture of Julie and Alistair Ashcroft, who following careers in cities in New Zealand and overseas, purchased a 4.5 ha coastal block at Kina, near Nelson, in 2000 to return to a rural lifestyle that they both grew up in. Seeing the success of two neighbouring vineyards, they planted 8,500 Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir vines in 2004. The first crops were sold to local wineries, and the Ashcrofts made their own wine with the 2009 vintage. The further planted with Pinot Gris in 2009, and opened a cellar door in 2012.
There are 3.3 ha of vines in a single vineyard, on Moutere clay-gravel soils, just a few hundred metres from the coast. The vineyard is tended personally by Julie and Alistair. They have contracted winemakers for their wines, with Patrick Stowe of Rimu Grove making the Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir, Steve Gill of Appleby Vintners making the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, and Neil Todd at Kahurangi making the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. Here, I review these wines. www.kinacliffs.co.nz
