Learn more about us, and about our vineyard
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Pickers' picnic 2010
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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: 2007 (released March 2010), 14.5 Alcohol vol. diam cork.
- Bronze medal at Decanter World Wine Awards 2009, London (UK)
- Bronze medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, New Zealand 2009
- Recommended by Winestate
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.
Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines '08, 3 1⁄2 stars “Powerful Canterbury wine … with a slightly honeyed bouquet. Peachy and slightly spicy, with loads of flavour and drink-young appeal.”
Sam Kim, 4 1⁄2 stars (91/100) "The nose is beautifully opulent displaying ripe citrus, apple and pear characters. It really delivers on the palate with superb concentration of fruit, layered mid palate, well integrated acidity and a long lasting finish. The rich mouthfeel and silky texture provide immense appeal already while the crisp dry finish making this an outstanding food wine. At its best: now to 2010."
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.
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."
Click on your region for prices and ordering:
Visits:
By appointment only
Owners:
Blue Sun (NZ) Limited - Alessandro and Wilma Laryn
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
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.
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. . .
Quaffing
Sideways
Vintage
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