Rippon Mature Vines Central Otago Wanaka 2017 Pinot Noir

The farm voice of a distinct parcel of land: Rippon. On the western board of Roy’s Bay, Lake Wanaka, Rippon’s north-facing escarpment forms the meeting point of terminal moraines and coarse gravels, all based in schist, on which some of the region’s earliest vines were planted. Rippon is a wine issued from all of the fully developed Pinot Noir vines growing in this land.

Rippon’s story begins in 1912 when Sir Percy Sargood bought a high country station on the western flanks of Lake Wanaka. Three decades later, while serving in the Second World War as a submarine lieutenant, Percy’s grandson, Rolfe Mills, was struck by the vines growing on the schist slopes of the Douro Valley that reminded him of those back in Wanaka and, with that, a hunch was born. In 1975, Rolfe and his wife Lois began planting experimental vines and, in 1982 began the commercial planting of the 15ha that today comprise Rippon. Biodynamic farming, wild ferments, no irrigation and some of Central Otago’s oldest vines on their own roots all help to produce fruit and wines which are true to their place.

The Finer Details
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Pinot Noir
Country – New Zealand
Region – Central Otago
Vintage – 2017
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%