The Aurora Vineyard was first planted in 1998. It is only in the last two years that wines have been made under our own label. This vineyard was developed with a singular focus: to make wines of uncompromised quality which reflect the unique terroir of Bendigo, Central Otago.
The vast majority of the vineyard is planted in various clones of Pinot Noir (Clones 10/5, 115, 116, 5, 667 and 777). This clonal variation provides significant complexity of flavour to our Pinot Noir. The remainder of the vineyard have been planted in a combination of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Syrah. Growing Syrah in Central Otago is unusual, however Bendigo is one of the warmest areas in the Cromwell basin and we have utilised our hottest terrace for our Syrah plantings.
Our wines are crafted solely from grapes grown in The Aurora Vineyard. A growing and winemaking philosophy of low crop yields, sympathetic vineyard management, hand picking and as little intervention in the winery as possible is reflected in the wines we produce. The Aurora Vineyard is a fully accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
All of these wines were made by multi award winning wine maker Carol Bunn from grapes grown by Tom Topping and his vineyard team.
2006 Bendigo Riesling
This Riesling has elegant citrus flavours (lemons, limes, grapefruit, but also hints of white peaches). The wine was fermented cool in stainless steel and underwent some lees stirring to build the palate weight and texture, not as to overcome the fruit, but rather to let the flavours linger in the palate for a little longer. It is a typical Central Otago Riesling with a certain austerity and mineral undertones and will reward cellaring and/or drinking with food.
It was picked from the 6 to the 8th of April at 24 Brix. Even ripening due to hand fruit thinning ensured even brix levels across the crop. Leaf removal from around the grape bunches kept fungal disease at a minimum precluding the use of chemicals.
Fourth Vintage: 100 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 6.8 standard drinks
Alc 11.5% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2006 Bendigo Syrah
The 2006 season was perfect for grape growing. Our Syrah Block is located on the slopes of our terrace, in the warmest part of the vineyard and was harvested in late April at 24 brix. This Syrah has white pepper and spice intermingled with plums and cherries. Good tannins and acidity match the fruit creating a well structured wine. The wine spent 10 months in a mixture of new and old oak.
Third Vintage: 550 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.2 standard drinks
Alc 13.9% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2006 Bendigo Pinot Noir
The 2006 season was perfect for grape growing. This pinot noir has an aroma of complex cherries with dark and red liquorice notes and a mixture of dried herbs and spices. It has very textural tannins and soft fruit with creamy complexity and good weight and length. It has not been fined before bottling. It was hand harvested on the 27th of March, three weeks earlier than average, at 24 brix. The wine spent 18 months in a mixture of new and old oak.
Fifth Vintage: 120 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.1 standard drinks
Alc 13.7% VOL Contains Preservative (220)