Chicago businessman Stan Simpson established Waitaria Bay Estate in the Marlborough Sounds in 2004. The property has a 5 ha vineyard which produces wines under the ‘Red Deer’ label, named after a herd of red deer living on the estate. This is, as far as I am aware, the only commercial winegrowing operation in the Sounds. The vineyard has its challenges but the fruit is deemed by industry insiders to be very good. The varieties planted are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the latter top-grafted over Viognier. Bart Arnst is the consultant viticulturist and the vineyard, tended by farm manager Willoughby Roodt, was certified BioGro organic in March 2014. The wines are made at the Sugar Loaf Wines facility, with client winemaker Ali Beque crafting this 2018 Rosé. www.reddeerwine.com
Copyright © 2022 Raymond Chan Wine Reviews.
Operates under Candice Wine Chat.
All rights reserved.
Design and Hosting by Queenstown IT