WINE'S OF THE VINEYARD

Marlborough is blessed with a superb climate, spectacular environment and a culture to create wine of character and quality. It is New Zealand's pre-eminent wine producing region and increasingly recognised as the cool climate wine capital of the world. It is universally acclaimed as the world's leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc, it has a growing reputation as a premium producer of Pinot Noir, and its methode traditionalle wines are gaining a world-wide reputation.

Barrow's Vineyard specialises in the growing of premium Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes. Contracted to Sam Weaver's small wine label Churton the wines offered to Straw Lodge guests for tasting have received acclaim.

Wine reviewer Paul White in the The Dominion Post, Aug. 30, 2003, wrote "...smartly priced, given the high degree of stylistic sophistication... both wines are defined by finely honed, multilayered textures...Churton Sauvignon Blanc 2003 has excellent sweaty Marlborough aromas and seriously fine viscosity... .Churton Pinot Noir 2001 is all about silky textures and back-palate fruit. The latterÉis central to Old Worlde style... .both wines are as affordable as they are outstanding."

The Melbourne Age Epicure feature ( Tuesday, February 3, 2004 ) featured Churton Marlborough Pinot Noir 2002, as their Wine of the Week. "First class, a wine of distinction... .capture(s) a bit of real pinot magic... .a typically Marlborough nose of intense sweet cherry and spicy savoury notes. The palate has ripe flavour, pure varietal character and silky texture. It's freshly attractive and lightish but not lacking intensity and interest. The finish is soft and dry."

Keith Stewart, ( The New Zealand Listener, May 2004, Pg.44) tasted the 2002 Pinot Noir. He wrote:
"Slightly wild, warm, inviting bouquet that slowly immerses you in a walk through the woods, with wafts of sweet fruit as dappled light. From the first mouthful, it spreads and charms with its volume and suave feel, with some lovely, dark cherry-flavoured brusqueness asserting its credentials through to the end. Lovely wine, pleasantly spicy, dense and promising all kinds of stories in the future, it has the hallmarks of a master craftsman. One of Marlborough's new pinot elite, for sure... . Rare as. Classy places will have it."

The Churton Pinot Noir 2002 is 100% Barrow's Vineyard grapes and is available to Straw Lodge guests. Enjoy the wine and walk the vineyard as you learn some of the secrets of growing first class wine.

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