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Canterbury Wines January 2003 OTHER WHITES

2011 MILLTON VINEYARD TE ARAI VINEYARD CHENIN BLANC $26.95 REGION: GISBORNE, NEW ZEALAND Once in a while I come across a wine that really rings my bells - the 2007 Millton Vineyard Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc was one such wine. The new vintage 2011 is another. James Millton pioneered biodynamics in New Zealand, starting in 1984. He now has a reputation as one of the great organic/biodynamic producers and is justifiably renowned for his chenin blanc - recognised by international writers as one the best examples of the variety in the world outside of the Loire Valley . The Te Arai vineyard Chenin was included in the book '1001 Wines you must try before you die', published by Penguin in 2008. His 2011Chenin Blanc is a revelation; honey, apple and wax on the nose lead into a palate that is an intoxicating mix of honey, pears, apple and subtle fruit sweetness, counter-balanced by a core of minerality and refreshing acidity. An ethereal balancing act. Leave the open bottle for a day in the fridge and the flavour profile diminishes, but the crisp backbone and structure of the wine remains, and the wine is just as alluring in a very different way. Like all the great Chenin Blancs out of the Loire Valley, this wine will age a treat. A really distinctive wine; be adventurous and try a bottle and see what you think. “ Brilliant light golden-hued straw-yellow colour with some depth, lighter on rim. The bouquet is full and solid with bright, lifted and lively aromas of yellow florals, tropical fruits and honey, unfolding savoury minerals, citrus fruits and pineapple nuances. Off-dry to taste, rich and lush flavours of stonefruits and exotic florals unfold from a moderately dense core, revealing honey, savoury detail and nutty interest. The mouthfeel is smooth and rounded with very fine textured flow and slippery, lacy acidity that carries through to a well-concentrated finish of florals, honey and minerals. This is a rich and smooth off-dry Chenin Blanc with exotic fruit flavours . Serve with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare over the next 5-6 years.” Raymond Chan – 18.0 out of 20 points. “ Organic/biodynamic pioneer James Millton is gloriously eccentric and makes superlative wines at his Manutuke estate in Gisborne.” Jonathan Ray, Daily Telegraph(UK) “ The Millton Vineyard has gained a world-renowned reputation for this unique and classic grape variety. Consistently recognised by international writers as “ one the best examples in the world, outside of the Loire. The Te Arai vineyard Chenin is included in the book '1001 Wines you must try before you die', published by Penguin in 2008. The Te Arai vineyard is five kilometres from the sea. This maritime proximity underlies the wines unique South Pacific style. The silt soils give fragrance while the occasional incidence of botrytis, generated by the autumnal mists from the Te Arai stream, gives complex texture and body to the wine. In the Loire Valley of France, Chenin Blanc produces powerful wines of a similar character, which we refer to as our touchstone. With aromas of fresh lime zest and fragrant gardenias, this wine is taut and vibrant in a way that will show its’ maturity over a very long period of time. Flavours of fine wool and bush honey are enhanced by cumquat and ripe bouche pear aromas with a tingling aftertaste.” Winery Notes Drink Now to 2025.

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