LEEFIELD STATION THE GATHERER GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2022

TASTING NOTE

An intensely pure bouquet of fresh lychee, white peach and apricot with delicate nuances of orange peel and ginger. Concentrated floral and fruit flavours dance on a deliciously plush palate that is balanced by juicy acidity with a dry and lengthy finish.

FOOD MATCHING

The floral nature of this Gewurztraminer lends itself to aromatic dishes, particularly those with spices and ginger. Try pairing this wine with a fragrant Chinese dish, such as Mapo tofu or the spice of a Thai red duck curry.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

2-4 years.

ORIGIN

Leefield Station, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough.

VARIETY

100% Gewurztraminer.

WINEMAKING

Sourced from a warm river terrace at Leefield Station, this fruit achieved optimum ripeness before being harvested in the cool of the morning.

A small amount skin contact prior to pressing has helped contribute to the floral intensity of this wine.

Cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks retains crispness, and selected yeast strains elevate the expression of both the nose and the palate. A portion of this wine was subsequently aged on light lees in large-format oak post-fermentation, which has added complexity to the aromatics and mouthfeel.

The componentry for this wine was blended in February, before filtration and bottling in March.

ANALYSIS

• Alcohol - 14.0%
• pH - 3.7
• Titratable Acidity - 4.4g/L
• Residual Sugar - 5.3g/L
• Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

Record rainfall in July, August and a warm start to September, permitted an energetic start to the growing season. This coincided with double the usual number of frosts which were replaced by warmer temperatures and humid northerly airflows in October. Early season varieties flowered rapidly while later season varietals were slightly challenged by a cool, wet start to December. Increasing temperatures and a warm, dry January ultimately ensured an abundance of fruit.

Despite heavy February rains, good vineyard practice and increased sunshine hours through the tail end of February meant the vast majority of the resulting fruit was clean and ripe.

Harvesting began in early March due to early season disease pressure with positive fruit flavours indicating physiological ripeness. The team are excited about the structural diversity and bright complex flavours of the 2022 wines.

TROPHY

• New Zealand International Wine Show 2023

GOLD

• Marlborough Wine Show 2023

94 POINTS

• The Real Review: Bob Campbell 2023 - Top Value

"Intense wine with restrained lusciousness and good varietal definition with lingering flavours suggesting Turkish delight, lychee, and potpourri. Impressive wine with a hint of sweetness that is nicely balanced by gentle, fruity acidity. Should develop well with a little bottle age."

92 POINTS

• Cameron Douglas MS 2023

"A powerful bouquet of flowers and tropical fruits, apples and baking spices, a very herbaceous quality with a cool-climate lemon talc quality. A satin texture touches the palate with core fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet from apples to lychee nut, white fleshed nectarine to roses. A classic style, classically made, balanced and ready to drink from 2024 through 2026+."