Kidnapper Cliffs
Kidnapper Cliffs is the joining of two great wine brands in a venture set to
set a new bench mark in single vineyard Hawks Bay wines. The mature vines of Te
Awa and the careful, experienced and considered winemaking of legendary NZ
vigneron Neil McCallum is a combination that has many in the know siting up and
paying attention. The first release to hit Australian shores is a clear
indicator of the remarkable patches of vines at their disposal, the fantastic
quality of fruit and the exciting combination of these two icons.
ROSCOE, Prince Wine Store
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.