31-Oct-2017
The Landing vineyard is part of multi-tiered 400 ha property at the south-western tip of the Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands, with six private beaches, a vineyard, wetlands and four luxury accommodation residences. It is the venture of investment executive Peter Cooper. The 9ha vineyard was planted in 2007 to Chardonnay and Syrah. Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Malbec were recently added. Andrew Hull is the viticulturist and Keith Barker the vineyard manager. The wines are made at the nearby Marsden Estate facility by Rod MacIvor. I have reviewed vintages of the Chardonnay and Syrah (click here to see my reviews) and report on their high quality. Here I review the first vintage of Pinot Gris, the 2017. As with most of the country, the forecasted rain in March meant earlier picking than desirable, but Rod MacIvor reports that the vineyard performed will with some fruit left on the vines from some of the latter ripening areas. www.thelandingnz.com
