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The
wines of Herzog,
Marlborough, New Zealand
81 Jeffries Road,
RD3, Blenheim, Marlborough,
New Zealand
Phone: +64 (0)3 572 8770 Fax: +64 (0)3 572 8730
E-mail: info@herzog.co.nz
Website: www.herzog.co.nz
Hans and Therese Herzog began as winegrowers in their
native
Switzerland
before deciding that New Zealand
was the place for them. They now have 11 hectares of vineyards which
they purchased in 1994, and from which they make an unusually
red-focused range of wines, at least by New Zealand
standards, including a varietal Montepulciano. They made the move in
time for the harvest of 2000.
Yields are low – on average 3 tons per hectare –
and everything is done here in a non-interventionalist way. In a
reflection of their old world origins, they prefer the term
‘winegrower’ to ‘winemaker’. The Herzogs are moving towards
organic viticulture, but won’t be certified – this move isn’t a
marketing gimmick to them. The grapes are hand harvested and they
don’t use sulphur dioxide when the grapes come in to the winery.
They prefer to use as little sulphur dioxide as possible during
winemaking, typically 70 mg/litre which results in a free SO2
level of some 10–15 mg/litre.
The wines are very impressive – with the Spirit of
Marlborough and Montepulciano among the best reds that I’ve
encountered from New Zealand. The Pinot Noir is very good, but perhaps not quite in the same league
in 2002. Noel Young stocks these wines in the UK.
Herzog Pinot Noir 2002
Intense nose of savoury dark cherry fruit and spice. The palate is
ripe and vibrant with good depth of dark cherry and berry fruit.
Attractive with some sweet and sour character. Nice depth; a good
effort. Very good/excellent 90/100
Herzog Spirit of Marlborough 2000
A blend of Merlot, Cabernets and a touch of Malbec. Intense nose
of lovely ripe, sweet pure blackcurrant fruit, with just a hint of
earthiness. The palate is concentrated with some sweet fruit and
earthy, spicy tannic structure. Very deep and intense. Very
good/excellent 92/100
Herzog Montepulciano 2001
They have nearly 1 hectare of this variety, of which there are
only 3 ha in all of New
Zealand
. Intense cherry and spice nose is quite Italian in style. The palate
is bold and intense with lovely vivid spiciness and firm dusty
tannins. A lovely spicy wine with good acidity. Super stuff, full of
character. Very good/excellent 93/100
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