Millton 'Te Arai Vineyard' Chenin Blanc Gisborne 2024
$38.00
Description
94 Points, The Wine Front
"Chenin specialists, biodynamic specialists. Perfect storm. Tightly wound, electric with saline minerality, preserved lemon, some chicken stock savouriness, a touch of dried pear, a dash of green apple juice. A little richness around that piercing stretch of acidity. It’s got seriousness and drinkability. A little herbal note to finish. Pedigree." - Mike Bennie, Sep 2025
The first biodynamic estate in New Zealand (and the first in the Southern Hemisphere to gain Demeter certification), James and Annie Millton have been growing wine in Manutuke on the banks of the Te Arai river in Gisborne since 1984. Farmed from inception in this manner, it was built on the backbone of family winegrowing in the area, with both James and Annie's parents having vines in what is now known as "Opou" and "Riverpoint". The Clos de Ste. Anne is a single vineyard situated on steep north-facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The grapes are all hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts present in the vineyard. The estate is mostly known for their Chenin Blanc - a benchmark for the country - but they also grow wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.