The Aurora Vineyard was first planted in 1998.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.
2008 was the perfect growing season in Central Otago. We were blessed with an early spring and a glorious long warm autumn.
2008 Bendigo Pinot Noir
This wine has fantastic colour of deep ruby red with bright purple hues. The bouquet is very typical Central Otago with rich, red and dark berry aromas and a thread of dried herb and spice running through it. The palate has the same dark berry fruits and spice and herbs, with very fine but firm tannins. It is opulent, dense and rich without losing poise and elegance.
It had a light egg white fining to enhance and soften the tannins. The fruit was harvested from the 29th of until the 30th of March at 24.5 brix. Rigorous bunch thinning resulted in a yield of 5t per hectare.
Seventh Vintage: 350 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.2 standard drinks
Alc 13.9% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2008 Bendigo Syrah
This wine has dense, concentrated colour, with aromas of black cracked pepper and lush dark spicy fruits with earthy undertones. The palate is rich, dense and opulent, with smooth velvety tannins that support the fruit. It has a typical Central Otago elegance.
This wine was fined with egg whites. The fruit was harvested on the 6 and 7th of May at 24.5 brix.
Fifth Vintage: 380 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.3 standard drinks
Alc 14% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2008 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 delightful mineral undertones which adds to its overall harmony and balance.
This wine was harvest in early April at 23 Brix and has 10 grams of residual sugar
Seventh Vintage: 282 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 7.7 standard drinks
Alc 12.8% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2008 Bendigo Pinot Gris
Attractive aromas of pears and peaches with toasty, buttery, yeasty notes from the fermentation in oak barrels (75% was fermented in oak). Nice spicy complexity and good structure and weight on the palate. This wine is a dry style and has balanced acidity and an austere, flinty, steely character with good fruit weight and length.
First Vintage: 90 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.6 standard drinks
Alc 14.5% VOL Contains Preservative (220
2008 Late Harvest Riesling
On the nose this wine has aromas of golden peaches, citrus fruits and crystallized lemons and spice which carry through on the palate. This wine was stopped during ferment to retain residual sugar and has an intense richness and full body to the wine in a Beerenauslese style (95 – 100g/L residual sugar). To be matched with a cheese and fruit platter and enjoyed in the company of good friends.
First Vintage: 180 cases produced.
375ML Contains approximately 6.5 standard drinks
Alc 10.5% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
2008 The Partners’ Pinot
Vibrant, beautiful concentrated colour. This wine has a seductive, opulent nose with attractive dark cherries, liquorice and plums together with a good concentration of oak on the nose from extended barrel maturation of around 18 months. On the palate, the wine is rich and voluptuous with lots of cherry and plum fruits, integrated oak with textural rounded tannins, whilst still retaining elegance. A great food wine.
First Reserve: 41 cases produced.
750ML Contains approximately 8.2 standard drinks
Alc 13.9% VOL Contains Preservative (220)
Bright, dense purple hues. On the nose, this wine has an attractive thread of spice, hints of mushroom and forest floor, opening up with a smoky caramel and vanilla pod influence. A textural and rich wine with berry fruits on the palate, good length, balanced supple tannins and a great food wine. This wine had extended barrel maturation of around 18 months.
First Reserve: 49 cases produced
750ML Contains approximately 8.3 standard drinks
Alc 14% VOL Contains Preservative (220)