13-Jul-2017
Tiki Wines and Vineyards is the winegrowing venture of Royce and Sue McKean who purchased 325 ha in the Waipara Valley, planting grapes over 2004 to 2006 to act as contract growers. This was expanded when the McKeans purchased and planted a further 225 ha in the Upper Wairau Valley, planting over 2007 to 2008. It has just been announced that the McKean's three Marlborough vineyards have been sold to the global Treasury wine group. However they intend to continue their Tiki label, with agreements to source fruit from their former vineyards. Tiki also make wine from fruit from Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago, so it is clear that the brand is not wholly dependent on owning its own fruit supply. Here, I review the new Tiki ‘Estate’ 2016 Waipara Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. These wines have a little more complexity and firmness than previous releases, and will be good food accompaniments. www.tikiwine.com
