There has been a refocus at Vynfields since Harry and Zinder Guo and their syndicate purchased the vineyard from John Bell and Kaye McAulay at the start of 2014. Exports to China have become the main aim of the business, and the Guos have needed to manage production levels to match their sales. This meant there was no wine made in 2017 and 2018, and the vineyard leased out to Alana Estate. The Guos have also pulled out the Riesling and Mad Rooster, this in 2016, due mainly to the effects of phylloxera, but also from the low demand for wines from these varieties with their customers. They are now Pinot Noir-only producers, which of course is what Martinborough is best-known for. Rosé wine and table wine Pinot Noir are now only made.
The Guos have now taken back the viticultural control of the vineyard with consultancy advice. The wines continue to be made by Marion Deimling at Schubert. Here, I review the 2016 and 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé wines, plus the 2015 Pinot Noir and Mad Rooster, this being the last of the label to be made. Also, there was no ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir made in 2015 www.vynfields.com
