New Zealand Wine , Marlborough

About Stonleigh Winery and Vineyard

Stoneleigh’s unique stony soils

On the site of a former riverbed on the northern side of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley in New Zealand, the Stoneleigh range takes it name from the abundance of stones that cover the area. The exceptional quality of the wines owes much to these stones. These stones reflect heat up onto the vines enhancing the ripening process and within the soil create the ideal growing environment.

The Stoneleigh Vineyard

Located in the heart of Rapaura area and the locally known "Golden Mile" of vineyards the Stoneleigh Vineyard,178 ha, is on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, within 2 km of the Wairau River and the Richmond Ranges. The vineyard has a range of soil types but includes more of the typically stony and recent riverbed soils.

Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines can all be found on the Stoneleigh vineyard and the site is home to some of the oldest grafted Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc blocks in Marlborough. Some blocks of these varieties are now over 20 years old.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Colour: Pale straw.

Aromas: This wine is a ripe, full-bodied Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that displays intense passionfruit and stone fruit aromas, with background mineral notes. The passionfruit and flinty characters are indicative of ripe Sauvignon Blanc, which the winemaker maximises with skin contact and yeast selection.

Palate: The palate displays tropical fruit and passionfruit with a touch of dry grass. It is full and rounded with a succulent mouth-feel and viscosity, balanced with crisp acidity.

Marlborough Chardonnay 2003

Colour: Light straw.

Aromas: This wine has a bouquet of nectarine and white peach, with hints of passionfruit and subtle oak notes.

Palate: The palate has ripe, full-bodied stone fruit flavours with subtle toasty complexity and a smooth, creamy texture.