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.
2007 Bendigo Riesling
This is a terrific example of Central Otago Riesling. It shows good balance between ripe citrus fruits (lemons, limes and a hint of grapefruit) and fresh acidity. The wine has a delightful mineral undertone which adds to the overall harmony and balance of the wine.
We purposely took down yields on our Riesling Block down to 6.5 tons to the hectare in 2007. This required rigorous bunch thinning. Reduced yield accompanied by a late autumn led to ideal harvesting conditions. This wine was harvest from the 20th to the 24th of April at 23 Brix.
Fifth Vintage: 80 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.1 standard drinks
Alc 13% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2007 Bendigo Syrah
We harvested this block on the 17th of May. The yield was low at 3 tons/ha. There was some berry shrivel at harvest which further concentrated flavours. Brix levels at harvest were higher than usual at 26.8.
This Syrah has white pepper and spice intermingled with plums and cherries together with smooth, soft tannins and good fruit persistence. This wine was not fined prior to bottling.
Fourth Vintage: 250 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.2 standard drinks
Alc 14% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2007 Bendigo Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir was harvested on the 20 April. Tonnages were low with clonal yield varying between 3.9 tons/ha and 4.9 tons/ha. Fruit set was poor due to the cool conditions that prevailed during flowering. This produced smaller berries than usual with concentrated flavours. Once again fruit thinning was rigorous to ensure quality and evenness. Harvest was carried out at 24 to 25 brix.
The wine has lush dark fruit, spice notes, soft textural tannins and great length and finesse. It has not been fined before bottling.
Sixth Vintage: 146 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.6 standard drinks
Alc 14.5% VOL Contains Preservative (220)