23-Jan-2014
The Ohau district of the Kapiti Coast just north of Wellington has produced wines that augur well for the growth of this region as a class wine growing vignoble. The very first release of the Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris, the 2009, was a gold medal and trophy winner, and its sister Sauvignon Blanc took silver. There are over 40 ha of vines, around two-thirds in Sauvignon Blanc, one-quarter devoted to Pinot Gris and the remainder Pinot Noir with a touch of St Laurent under the care of viticulturist Kate Gibbs, and the fruit is turned into wine by Jane Cooper of Matahiwi. The two distinct tiers are ‘Ohau Gravels’ as the premium label with ‘Woven Stone’ as the second. A small amount of Ohau Gravels ‘Single Vineyard’ has also been made. Here, I review the new release 2013 Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc, and Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. www.ohaugravels.co.nz
