Founding family, the Drummonds, hold firm to their belief that the rich fertile soils surrounding the Motueka township, coupled with balmy sea breezes and some of New Zealand's consistently highest sunshine readings are the ideal climate in which to craft their aromatic wines.
Next door to the scenic adventure playground of the Abel Tasman National Park, their vineyards produce high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Viognier, both for the Anchorage label and the company's export label Torrent Bay.
Nelson Bright, even, pale
straw-yellow. The nose is fresh and vibrant, well-packed with aromas of
tropical guava, passionfruit, lime, penetrating with a dusting of white
pepper, along with lime flowers, herbaceous notes of capsicum. Medium-light
bodied, the palate is fresh with bright aromas of lime, passionfruit, backed
up by ripe guava; underlying flowers, capsicum and white pepper are
integrated. A light phenolic grip reminiscent nuances of oyster shells and
sea salt. The bright acidity flows with good energy and buoyancy, carries
delicate florals and lifted spices to a fine-textured lingering finish.
Match with oysters and grilled lemon sole over the next 3 years.
18.5/20 pts - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020
Silver - The NZ International Wine Show 2020
Bronze - New World Wine Awards 2020
Silver - NZ Aromatic Wine Competition 2020
Nelson Bright, light yellow with some depth, slightly lighter on the rim.
The nose is intensity vibrant, aromas of tropical lime, passionfruit, along
with fresh herbs melded with pungent, peppery spice and mouthwatering
minerals nuances. Medium-light bodied, bright aromas of lime, passionfruit
has good intensity, linger with fresh herbs detail and subtle white pepper,
flows along a mouthwatering mineral textured line. Thirst-quenching acidity
provides liveliness, flows with good energy, carries minerals and white
pepper flows to a linear, lingering finish. The wine is vibrant with breath
flavour of tropical fruit and a subtle savouriness, reflecting the lively
acid. This is a generously flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with flavours of
tropical fruit, fresh herbs details on a mouthwatering mineral drive. Match
with shellfish and blue cod over the next 2-4 years. Best parcels selection.
Fermented in stainless steel to 12.5%, 4 g/l RS. Aged on lees.
18.5/20 pts - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020
Bronze - The NZ International Wine Show 2020
Bronze - New World Wine Awards 2020
Nelson Bright, light yellow-gold,
even colour throughout. The bouquet is softly full, vibrant, ripe aromas of
sweet pear, quince, melded with white florals, honey and spices nuance
underlay. Medium-bodied, dryish to taste, a crisp and fresh palate of Nashi
pear, quince and lemon, runs along a mouthwatering mineral line with a light
phenolic grip, unfolding honey, five-spice to a refreshingly clean finish.
There is a purity of fruit enriched by mineral crunch, leaves a crisp and
refreshing finish. Fresh acidity injects energy and balance with a little
sugar sweetness in the wine. This is a crisp Pinot Gris with flavours of
pear and quince fruit purity, along with honey, florals on a mineral flow.
Match with popcorn chicken and prawn & pork wontons over the next 2-3 years.
Fermented in stainless steel to 12.5% alc, 9.5 g/l RS. Aged on lees for
several months.
17/20 pts - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Silver, 93pts - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020
Bronze - The NZ International Wine Show 2020
Silver - New World Wine Awards 2020
Youthful and gently lifted, the bouquet shows Gala apple, grapefruit, nougat and roasted cashew characters, leading to a succulent palate that's nicely rounded and creamy. It's elegantly expressed with balanced acidity, finishing crisp and lingering.
At it's best: now to 2022.
4 ★ - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Clean and alive, released young yet opening very well. Lots in behind to emerge over summer. Dry and food friendly.
Looks good for 2020-2022.
4 ★ - Peter Saunders
Pale pink colour, delicate yet dry and firmly spined rose. Retains subtle fruit tones well with some freshness. A very appealing warm day sipper, or with
light food courses.
Ready, into 2020.
4.5 ★ - Peter Saunders.
Bright and elegantly lifted, the bouquet shows grapefruit, feijoa, Gala apple and flinty characters, leading to a juicy palate that’s vibrant and lively. Its
delicately expressed with crisp acidity, finishing long and mouth-watering.
At it’s best: now to 2021
4 ★ Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Nelson Bright, deep ruby-red with some depth and a garnet hue, lighter on
edge. The nose is upfront and vibrant, nuances of raspberries, red cherries,
melded with thyme herbs and delicate spices. Medium-bodied, flavours of
cherries, raspberries form a succulent core, cinnamon and tree bark
interweave herbs and liquorice. There is a fine-textured extraction of
tannin from skins and whole bunches, providing structure, elevated by lacy
acidity. Richness of herbs and herbaceous notes broaden the palate. This is
a herbaceous Pinot Noir with cherries and raspberries flavours and cinnamon
notes on a fine tannin extraction. Match with pork ribs and duck casserole
over the next 2-3 years. Fermented to 12.5% alc. Aged in puncheons and
barrels for 10 months.
17/20 pts - Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Chief winemaker Tony Southgate has a vision to make wines that are
immaculate, clean and that everyday people can drink.
He joined Anchorage in 2019 to form a strong team that is moving the Motueka
Wine Company forward. The former New Zealand Winemaker of the Year (2012)
said he has been working on showcasing the fruit's purity and fine balance,
to lift the bar and become more competitive.
It's a huge difference from where he first started, initially studying
economics at school before training to become a butcher, then a cabinet
maker and eventually a wine maker. It was at the boutique butchery he worked
at in Auckland where he realised that very attention to detail was what he
excelled at. "And that set me on the pathway for excellence. I don't want to
make mediocre wine."
But it was actually his wife that first introduced him to wine, and together
they used to attend many festivals throughout the country.
His favourite drop? He likes heavy reds, particularly from France, or a New
Zealand Syrah, as well as a Pinot Noir that has some identity to it.
He's also mad on motorcycles - fast ones, and admits to having a few of
those, for the days he's not working, fine dining or drinking wine.
