The wines of Millton Vineyards, Gisborne, New Zealand

James Millton has become well known as one of the new world’s leading proponents of biodynamics, an alternative and strict form of organic viticulture. His wines, from the warm Gisborne region of New Zealand’s North Island, are pretty impressive and offer great value for money. They are made in a ripe, rich, full flavoured style that’s easy to appreciate.

These wines are available in the UK from Organic specialist Vintage Roots (Vintage Roots, Bridge Farm, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9HT, Tel: 0118 976 1999, Website: www.vintageroots.co.uk, E-mail: info@vintageroots.co.uk; their prices are given in brackets).

Millton Vineyards Chardonnay 2002 Gisborne
There’s a creamy, nutty edge to the ripe, tropical fruit nose. Quite elegant. Lovely texture on the nutty palate with well just a little well judged oak and lots of fruit. Sophisticated stuff. Very good/excellent 91/100 (£6.99)

Millton Vineyards Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2002 Gisborne
Elegant herby nose with a creamy edge and some straw notes. Expressive, rich rounded palate (some residual sugar?). Classy stuff with good concentration. Very good/excellent 91/100 (£8.99)

Millton Vineyards Opou Chardonnay 2002 Gisborne
Rich classy nose with lots of nutty oak complexity and ripe fruit. Rich, creamy/nutty palate shows a nice texture. A brilliantly bold new world Chardonnay. Very good/excellent 92/100 (£8.99)

Millton Vineyards Opou Riesling 2002 Gisborne
Quite a bit of residual sugar in this off dry Riesling. Wonderfully rich spicy, limey nose. The palate is rounded and rich textured with some sweetness. May evolve? Very good+ 88/100 (£8.99)

Millton Vineyards Te Arai  Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Gisborne
Lightish colour. Ripe expressive nose of blackcurrant fruit, spice and tar. Savoury spicy palate showing good acidity. A striking style. Very good+ (£8.99)

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