Waitaki Braids
New wines from a new region in New Zealand

Website: www.waitakibraids.co.nz

Waitaki Braids is one of the pioneers of a new region: Waitaki Valley in North Otago. It's an interesting place for growing wine grapes, with limestone soils (rare in New Zealand), as well as some river gravels, and a very cool climate. The vineyard is currently 8.2 hectares, and Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay are planted.

Waitaki Braids has four owners: investment banker Steve Cozens, winemaker Michelle Richardson and restaurateurs Michael McGrath and Peter Gordon.

‘Waitaki and Central Otago are very different,’ says Michelle Richardson. ‘Waitaki is one of the most unique flavour places. As the vines get older, the wines will get more and more in balance.’ She adds that it is right on the edge climatically. ‘Some years, Autumn starts too early, but the flavours are exceptional.’

THE WINES

Waitaki Braids Pinot Gris 2008 Waitaki
Rich, grapey, intense nose with some alcohol evident. The palate is dense and quite concentrated with sweet, grapey, herbal fruit. Quite rich textured with some spicy notes. 4-5 g/l residual sugar. 89/100

Waitaki Braids Rosé 2009
Dark coloured. Sweet and herby with rich cherry and raspberry fruit, with subtle green notes as well as the sweet bold fruit. Soft textured, with a hint of spiciness. A rich style. 88/100

Waitaki Braids Pinot Noir 2008
Rich, warm, spicy and quite dense with lovely dark cherry fruit and some firm, spicy tannins. Fresh and dense with nice tannins. A structured wine of real appeal. 94/100

See also:

An interview and tasting with Michelle Richardson

Wines tasted 09/10
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wine-searcher.com

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