‘Kuru Kuru’ and ‘Joss Bay’ and ‘Tarras Vineyards’ are the brands of Hayden Johnston who offers wines from Marlborough and Central Otago. Returning home from the U.K. to Central Otago, Hayden set up ‘The Canyon’ vineyard in Bendigo near Tarras in 2002. The vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir clones 115, 667, 5 and 777, yielding its first wine in 2008. The Tarras Vineyard ‘The Canyon’ Pinot Noir is the flagship and has won a number of top awards. Hayden makes the wine at Alexandra Vineyards, where he works with Antony Worch. At present, Hayden is building a cellar door and restaurant facility in Bendigo.
Hayden’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is made by a highly respected winemaker in Blenheim at a contracted facility with Hayden Antony and Renan working through blending trials in Alexandra. The Sauvignon Blanc wines provide balance to Hayden’s portfolio, which is crucial particularly in exports. Here, I review the new 2017 Kuru Kuru and Tarras Vineyards Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. www.kurukuru.co.nzwww.tarrasvineyards.co.nz
