ANNOUNCING KIDNAPPER CLIFFS
the latest addition to the Robertson Family wine portfolio
www.kidnappercliffs.com
Two of New Zealand‟s most highly respected wineries – Hawke‟s Bay‟s Te Awa and Martinborough‟s Dry River have joined together to release a new premium wine brand – Kidnapper Cliffs.
A collaboration between talented winemakers Dr. Neil McCallum (Dry River) and Ant Mackenzie (Te Awa), the Kidnapper Cliffs label‟s first release in September 2010 will see five limited production varietal and blended wines produced under the new prestige brand – 2009 Kidnapper Cliffs Solan (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend), 2009 Kidnapper Cliffs Chardonnay, 2009 Kidnapper Cliffs Pinotage, 2008 Kidnapper Cliffs Ariki (Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend), & 2009 Kidnapper Cliffs Syrah.
Three further Kidnapper Cliffs wines – a Cabernet Franc, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec are planned for release in April 2011.
As the latest addition to the Julian Robertson family NZ wine portfolio, Kidnapper Cliffs takes its name from the prominent “Cape Kidnappers” landmark* at the southern tip of Hawke‟s Bay, New Zealand. It also shares branding with the internationally renowned luxury lodges and golf courses the Robertson Family established in Hawke‟s Bay (The Farm at Cape Kidnappers) and Bay of Islands (Kauri Cliffs), and naturally will feature prominently in the wine lists at both lodges, along with Dry River and Te Awa wines.
The Kidnapper Cliffs 17ha Hawke‟s Bay vineyard has been parceled out from Te Awa‟s mature vine holdings, specifically selected for its free draining soil and consistent production of high quality fruit.
The 'stand alone' Kidnapper Cliffs vineyard site will adopt the intense grape growing practices developed over the last three decades by Dr. Neil McCallum for Dry River‟s similar „extinct river‟ soils, optimizing existing vine production for age-worthy wines that faithfully reflect the distinct terroir. The winemaking duo are passionate about the wine reflecting the virtues of the Hawke‟s Bay climate and soils.
The new Kidnapper Cliffs label marries prime Te Awa fruit to Dry River‟s methodical, terroir-focused approach to fine wine production with the sole intention of creating low yield, niche wines structured for long term cellaring.
The Kidnapper Cliffs wines will all adhere to time honoured aesthetic winemaking principles, following a fundamental belief that “the best wines are grown, not made”. The stylistic ideal aims for fruit purity and full expression of varietal characters rigorously preserved during the winemaking process through to bottling.
Robertson Family wines share congruent philosophies and ideals, and there will be a high degree of cooperative interaction between Dry River, Te Awa and Kidnapper Cliffs. Production of Kidnapper Cliffs is very much a team effort with winemaking and vineyard teams from both Dry River and Te Awa on site in Hawke‟s Bay during harvest and production. Dry River‟s Dr. Neil McCallum retains chief winemaking duties and viticultural oversight, while Ant Mackenzie heads up the overall project management.
Dr. Neil McCallum commented on the new wine brand by saying “We are excited about the possibilities and we hope that those truly interested in wine will take the time to discover why we are so excited. We are not here to replicate what has gone before – expect surprises, expect fine wine.”
Kidnapper Cliffs limited production wines will be available by mail order and through select restaurants and bottle shops in Australia and New Zealand. For more information or to join the mailing list visit www.kidnappercliffs.com.
*The Cape Kidnappers name commemorates the famous armed confrontation with local Maoris during Captain Cook‟s maiden voyage to New Zealand in October of 1769 and has been known as Cape Kidnappers ever since. The cliffs remain one of the bay‟s most prominent landmarks today.