Alessandro and Wilma Laryn

Learn more about us, and about our vineyard
Cracroft Chase
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Pickers' picnic 2011
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Yes, we have a cellar door! Contact us for a vineyard tour and tastings. We can sell you our award-winning Pinot Gris at cellar door price (see opening hours below). We offer a relaxing ambience and a true vineyard experience at 15 minutes only from Cathedral Square. Check our link to google map for directions. Arrivederci!

Cracroft Chase vineyard is in a picturesque cul-de-sac valley nestled at the foot of the Christchurch Port Hills. Between 1998 and 1999, five hectares were planted exclusively with Pinot Gris, on grafted rootstock. Sheltered on three sides by hills clad in forestry, and fully opened to the Nor'West, the valley enjoys a special micro climate. The 'U' trellising system allows air and sun through the canopy. Summer plucking and harvesting are done by hand.

The grapes are processed in the onsite winery, with artisan attention to detail. A combination of lees stirring and malolactic fermentation adds complexity to the wine The label carries the name of the original landowners, the Cracroft-Wilson family, settlers who owned all of the Cashmere area in Christchurch as well as the hunting chase where the vineyard is located. In this way a little piece of New Zealand history is preserved. The label name Wood's Edge refers to the peculiar location of the vineyard. Alessandro and Wilma Laryn, who immigrated from Italy in 1996, own and manage the property. Members and friends of the Cracroft Residents' Association provide skilled and heartfelt help in the vineyard.

Wood’s Edge Pinot Gris: dry style, complex, mouthfilling, with long finish, aged for nine months in tank and at least two years in bottle.

Current Vintage: 2008 (released September 2011), 13 Alcohol vol. diam cork.

  • Silver medal, Hong Kong Internatiol Wine and Spirit Competition 2010, food matching competition
  • Commended by International Wine Challenge 2010, London (UK)

Sam Kim, 4 1⁄2 stars (91/100) "A fresh and elegant nose displaying citrus, pear and chalky mineral characters. The palate is concentrated and beautifully textured with crisp acidity lengthening the lovely dry finish. A worthy alternative to the usual, slightly sweet, Pinot Gris. This wine is all about the palate weight and seamless mouthfeel. Should be an excellent food wine. At its best now to 2013."

Grey Pearl / Blue Sun Pinot Gris: off-dry, textured mouth feel and long finish; café-style. Current Vintage: 2009 (released April 2010), 13% alcohol vol. screw top

A food-friendly wine, good with seafood, pasta and rice dishes, cheese, lean meats, spicy food, or on its own... It displays aromas of pears and stone fruit, with a hint of spice.

  • Silver medal, Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2010, in the food matching competition
  • Bronze Medal, Wine Style Asia Award 2011, Singapore

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 4 stars, 87/100 "A lovely refreshing style of Pinot Gris by the excellent Cracroft Chase Vineyard, displaying fragrant pear, peach and floral characters with a hint of flinty mineral characters on the nose. The palate is juicy and lively showing smooth texture, bright acidity and a hint of sweetness leading to a lingering dry finish. A beautifully balanced, dry style Pinot Gris that will appeal to many consumers. At its best: now to 2012."

Cameron Douglas MS, 3 1⁄2 stars "Nose: Fruity and appealing with ripe fresh fruit expression – yellow and red apple followed by mild white flesh fruits notably nectarine. Palate: Dry, crisp and fruity with apple and white nectarine flavours followed by a lifted citrus finish. Plenty of palate appeal with well great acidity, some light lees notes and medium weighted. Well made and versatile with a range of seafood and white flesh meat dishes."

More vintages. . .

Click on your region for prices and ordering:

New Zealand

Australia

Visits, tastings and cellar door sales:
Cellar Door: Friday to Sunday, 2 to 3 pm
Other times, and vineyard tours: by appointment

Contact details:
110 Shalamar Drive, Cashmere,
Christchurch 8022, New Zealand

tel: (+64)(03) 337 9339; fax: (+64)(03) 337 9577
Alex: 027 2288 682; Wilma: 027 2738 666


Owners:
Blue Sun (NZ) Limited - Alessandro and Wilma Laryn

vineyard gallery

Photo gallery

Cracroft Chase is featured on Michael Cooper’s Wine Atlas of New Zealand, 2nd Ed., 2008, page 355; more of John McDermott’s photos on pages 334, 335 & 361.

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Cracroft Chase Vineyard is the proud sponsor of CARTOLINA, the English radio programme of Italian culture and life. Listen live or in pod cast from PlainsFM or for info on the programmes go here and click on Radio Programme.

Listen to our radio promos. . .

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Designed and realized by Wilma Laryn copyright ©2009 Wilma Laryn & PLAINS FM 96.9

Master Chef Tony Astle reviews our 2007 Wood's Edge Pinot Gris in the TV programme "The Beat Goes On," (youtube clip) 9 August 2010 (aired through STRATOS, Sky Channel 089), programme presented by Gerard Smith.