Luck has been on our side on all the tours and day 3 was no exception.
As we departed south for Central Hawkes Bay and the unique Pukeora estate, a gentle breeze softened the intense sunshine.
Max and Kate are the proud owners of Pukeora. 80 hectares of land that has an old hospital that now operates as a conference venue, a nurses’ home that is now an artist’s studio, a number of properties that house relatives and paying guests – and 5.5 hectares of vines. Max was desperate to find a limestone soil and in 1998 they took the plunge with the proceeds of the sale of their flat in West Hampstead.
We tasted through the range – intense Pinot Gris, ripe Chardonnay, spicy Syrah, a rich merlot/Malbec blend and an utterly delicious botrytised Chardonnay followed by a wonderful lunch of local sausages, salads, satays and breads.
Max and Kate are utterly charming and friendly hosts and everyone enjoyed the stunning views, tasted the great wines and experienced the whole, extraordinary Pukeora phenomenon with total delight.
A power nap beckoned and I was delighted to oblige with a two and half hour drive to Martinborough – the key area of Wairarapa wine production.
Having checked into The Claremont motel we headed off for Cambridge Road winery.
Lance Redgwell is a totally passionate winemaker with a very clear vision of what he wants to do and makes stunning, highly individual wines. Pinot Noir and Syrah are the key red grapes and the diversity of style tht reflected the vintage differences was eloque
ntly explained. This is hand crafted, artisanal winemaking at its sublime best. He loves to blend and makes amazing white creations that are a crazy mix of aromatic varietals. Add in the organic and biodynamic factor and the desire to be as natural as possible and the result is a true original.
We tasted through at least 12 different wines and then polished off a fabulous lamb dinner with more Pinot Noir. Fascinating, exciting and delicious – sums up our experience at Cambridge Road!