Sometimes attending a wine dinner as media can be like a box of chocolates, you just never really know for sure what you are going to get.
So it was a very pleasant surprise to find that the Stoneleigh wines were as good as I expected them to be and that, here’s the spot where the element of surprise comes in, the cuisine was as equally good at Seasons in the Park located in Queen Elizabeth Park. The pairings were perfect, the company chatty and interesting, the wine was really good, and the food was good, a definite hit.
Stoneleigh is a premium, certified sustainable winery based in Marlborough, New Zealand, with pioneering plantings dating back to 1981. We tasted through a selection of their Sauvignon Blancs as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir finishing with a late harvest.
But first lets start at the beginning. A cocktail style reception to introduce two wines that were not served during dinner. Passed canapés were very nice and included Mushroom Arancini with truffle oil, Cold Smoked Salmon Crostini (smoked salmon mousse, dill, fried capers) andSpinach & Goat Cheese Crostini (sauteed baby spinach, fresh herbs). All were very tasty and paired well with the Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc and the Stoneleigh Pinot Gris.
What we tasted before dinner:
Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc
TAST I N G NOT E S
As Winemakers, we are able to capture the natural early ripening characteristics of the Rapaura sub-region appellation, harvesting the grapes early with a full flavour profile to make a range of wines that are 25% lower in alcohol.*
WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 9.5% ABV
Residual Sugar: 13.4g/l
IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW
This wine is made to be enjoyed upon release, or with up to two years careful storage.
AROMA AND PALATE
This wine opens with bright aromas of grapefruit and capsicum, which follow through to the palate, joined by gooseberry, passionfruit and limeflavours. The wine is resfreshingly dry, yet soft and approachable; light in body and big on flavour, with crisp lime notes lasting long on the finish.
ENJOY WITH
Enjoy this fresh and zingy wine either on it’s own or served with a variety of simple dishes. Try clean Japanese flavours of sushi and sashimi, or BBQ veggie skewers with halloumi, courgette and aubergine. Other fresh cheeses such as a mild goat’s or buffalo mozzarella in a herb-laced salad will be superb.
WINEMAKING DETAILS
The fruit for this wine was picked from our Stoneleigh Vineyards when flavour intensity was at peak, while sugar levels still low, to produce this lighter style wine. The grapes were swiftly bag pressed, and the juice clarified before fermentation. The winemaking took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks using selected aromatic yeast strains, to preserve all the pure fruit aromas naturally present in the juice. The wine was blended and filtered before bottling.
*Compared with Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc
$18.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores
The wine was a pleasant surprise and not to be mistaken for alcohol-free wine. The process creates a lighter, but equally, savoury edition of the Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc. As people are looking for healthier versions this one ticks all the boxes. The wine was pleasant and exhibited very similar notes to the “original” Saugivnon Blanc that we enjoyed later in the evening. This lighter version gives way to thoughts of sizzling summer afternoons sitting in the shade, with glass in hand, sipping the Stonleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc. A winner.
Classic Pinot Gris
Nice ripe and intense fruit flavours have produced this textural and weighty Stoneleigh Pinot Gris.
TASTING NOTES
The Stoneleigh range consists of distinctive, elegant, fruit-forward Marlborough wines that reflect the unique terroir of our stone-studded vineyards. Started by nature and finished by the talents of the Stoneleigh winemakers, our philosophy of minimum intervention in the winery ensures that the vibrant flavours of Stoneleigh are captured in each and every bottle.
AROMA & PALATE
Aromas of fresh orchard fruits and honey are first out of the glass and the lively fruit flavours abound on the palate too. Stone fruit and sweet pear drops combined with a rich palate weight and a hint of spice to make a joyously soft yet lively wine.
ENJOY WITH
This wine would make a delicious aperitif served with crostini and goats cheese or prosciutto. Try with richer seafood dishes such as grilled salmon or prawn risotto, or serve with a fruit dessert such as a french apple tart with vanilla cream.
WINETASTING NOTES
The fruit was machine harvested from March 15th to April 20th. The fruit was crushed to bag presses and then using a gentle flotation method excess solids were removed. The juice was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Specially selected yeast was used to enhance aroma and fruit flavour. No oak was used in the winemaking.
$18.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores
Initially scents of grandma’s closet with subtle and delicate scents of almond. Some floral notes with rapsberries, apricots. Flavours of citrus with medium body and good acidity. Smooth and delicious. My favourite so far, good with food. The addition of gewürztraminer is a plus.
Dinner – First course
Stoneleigh Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2023
TASTING NOTES
An organic wine grown in living soil. This Sauvignon Blanc wine is a true reflection of the grape. Clean and vibrant, a pure expression of New Zealand nature.
AROMA AND PALATE
This wine is a pale lemon in colour with subtle green hues. It shows punchy intense citrus blossom, grapefruit, white peach and a hint of herbs on the nose. This wine shows generous acidity and minerality, with powerful citrus and herbaceous notes on the palate as a highlight. A well-balanced wine showing palate weight, fruity sweetness and fresh crisp acidity associated with the variety and style.
FOOD MATCHES
Serve lightly chilled on its own or match with fresh salad, cured meats and soft cheese. Seafood is a classic match, such us grilled fish fillet and Marlborough Green Lip Mussel. White meat served with fresh herbs and lemon will also work well.
VINEYARD DETAILS
The fruit for this wine came from two certified organic blocks in our Kaituna vineyard, in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. This vineyard is on the Northern side of the valley in close proximity to the mighty Wairau River, covered with ancient sunstones and highly regarded for its outstanding grape-growing conditions. The vines are 24-year-old, Mass Selected clones, grown on RGloire rootstock. They are trained to VSP with 3 cane pruning.
WINEMAKING DETAILS
The Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this wine were harvested on 29th March 2023, in optimal, dry harvest conditions. Fruits were machine harvested using Pellenc fruit sorter which destem the grapes in the vineyard immediately after picking them. They have then been trucked to the winery immediately and crushed into bag press. Juice was gently drained and pressed off to avoid phenolic pick up. It was then clarified with minimal oxygen contact and inoculated with selected organic aromatic yeasts in stainless steel vessels. Clarified juice was fermented slowly at cool temperature throughout to retain the distinctive varietal and regional characteristics. No oak was used in the winemaking, and no animal products. The wine is certified as organic, and vegan.
WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.0% v/v
Residual Sugar: 3.9 g/l
IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW
This wine is best to enjoy while it is young for the punchy vibrant primary fruit flavour. Although its tight structure may allow for up to three years cellaring to develop further complexity.
Opening with pleasant scents of ruby red grapefruit, some straw and stone fruits. Medium body with acidity just slightly less noticeable than in the “light” sauvignon blanc. Flavours of citrus exhibiting oranges and Meyer lemons, almonds or maybe even hazelnut with a touch of spice on the finish. The has tasty, lingering ripe notes. A very nice wine.
paired with:
Tomato & Burrata Salad
arugula, olive oil, balsamic reduction
Dinner – Second Course
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc
This is a great example of textural and weighty Sauvignon Blanc wine, with a flinty minerality to top it off.
TASTING N OTES
Made from grapes sourced from the ‘Golden Mile’, a strip of land covered with ancient sunstones and highly regarded for its outstanding grape-growing conditions. The resulting wines are aromatically lifted and riper in spectrum, a result of higher concentration of the stones in the area and the effect these have on the vines.
AROMA & PALATE
This wine displays ripe tropical fruit aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit and guava. This leads onto a weighty, textural palate joined by fresh citrus and hints of grapefruit pith. The opulent structure is underpinned by a clean minerality, and the luscious concentration promotes a lingering and complex finish.
WINEMAKING DETAILS
The grapes were harvested using our Pellenc Selectiv harvesters and crushed to bag presses. The juice was promptly drained and pressed from the skins to minimise excessive phenolic extraction. The juice was then settled naturally and clarified to a level that optimised Sauvignon Blanc flavours during fermentation. Each parcel of juice was then inoculated with selected aromatic yeasts with a small portion of the blend being fermented in French Oak Cuves to enhance mid palate texture and complexity while the balance was fermented in stainless steel. The parcels in stainless steel were maintained at cool temperatures to retain the aromatic qualities of the fruit. The components were then carefully selected and blended to retain the aromatic qualities of the fruit.
OAK REGIME
18% of this wine was fermented in a large, aged wooden oak Cuve, not to impart oak flavour but to add texture and weight to the wine.
WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Residual Sugar: 5.0g/l
ENJOY WITH
The ripe fruit and concentrated flavours of this wine make it a winner with fresh, punchy dishes such as pulled pork tacos served with fresh lime and coriander accompanied with a pineapple and mango salsa.
IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW
A powerful wine which is ready to be drunk upon release; or cellar for up to two years to develop complexity.
$23.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores
The wine opened with yummy candy notes on the nose followed by peaches, apricot, mandarin orange and hard candy. The wine exhibits great acidity, is deliciously fruity with medium body on the finish.
paired with:
Dungeness Crab Cake
lemon tarragon aioli
Dinner – Third Course
Marlborough Pinot Noir
TASTING N OTES
The Stoneleigh range consists of distinctive, elegant, fruit-forward Marlborough wines that reflect the unique terroir of our stone-studded vineyards. Started by nature and finished by the talents of the Stoneleigh winemakers, our philosophy of minimum intervention in the winery ensures that the vibrant flavours of Stoneleigh are captured in each and every bottle.
AROMA AND PALATE
Plums and spice greet the nose from this lively and distinctive wine. More primary red fruits abound on the palate, which is light to medium-bodied and carries beautifully supple tannins. A gentle touch of nutmeg spice and white pepper, with some vanilla oak, complete the picture and stay for a lingering finish.
FOOD MATCHES
Try this versatile wine on the weekend with a classic slow-cooked retro dish such as coq au vin or beef bourguignonne. If a more speedy meal is in order then fire up the grill for a seared tuna steak or Portobello mushrooms topped with melting cambazola cheese and fresh thyme.
VINEYARD INFORMATION
Stoneleigh vineyards are located on the northern side of the Wairau Valley in an ancient riverbed. Over thousands of years, stones of all sizes were deposited by the Wairau River. Today our vines are planted among these stones, which we call sunstones. It is these sunstones and the unique stony riverbed soil structure, that are renowned for delivering Stoneleigh wines their quality and flavour.
WINEMAKING DETAILS
The fruit was picked by machine between 28th March and 17th April, using selective harvesters which sort the ripest grapes right in the vineyard, and ensure no leaves come along too. The wine was fermented in a mixture of open top and closed top fermenters, all stainless steel with temperature control. The ferment was kept warm and steady below 32C and the caps were managed with a combination of pumpover, gas rummage and plunging. The wine was pressed to French oak for malolactic and then left to mature for several months. All components were tasted and the wines with hallmark vibrant Stoneleigh flavours were selected for this year’s blend.
WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.0% ABV
Residual Sugar: 2.2 g/l
IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW
This wine is ready to drink upon release after it’s careful maturation in Marlborough. It may be cellared for 2-3 years if more earthy, subtle flavours are desired.
$21.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores
The wine had, at first sniff, a horsey smell followed by ripe fruit, black cherry and cooked Italian plums, cranberry, also lighter scents of red apple and dates. The aromas made you want to just keep sniffing. Cherry pie, dark stone fruit, currants, plum torte, stewed Italian plums, dusty with blueberry muffins warm from the oven and a little wet dog.
A ripe and delicious wine with medium approachable tannins and a rich fruit forward flavour with a touch of spice.
paired with:
7 oz Filet Mignon
prepared medium, roasted potatoes, market vegetables, cabernet demi-glace
or:
Dinner – Third Course
Stoneleigh Classic
TASTING NOTES
The Stoneleigh range consists of distinctive, elegant, fruit forward Marlborough wines that reflect the unique terroir of our stone-studded vineyards. Started by nature, our philosophy of minimum intervention in the winery ensures that the vibrant flavours of Stoneleigh are captured in each and every bottle.
AROMA & PALATE
This wine displays vibrant and punchy aromatics of grapefruit, white peach and passionfruit with a scattering of tropical stone fruits. This wine demonstrates mouth-watering acidity, and minerality. A lovely young and dynamic drop that finishes with a pleasing fresh passionfruit note that lingers.
FOOD MATCHES
This wine will best show the above characters whilst it is young and vibrant. Serve lightly chilled on its own as an aperitif or match with delicate seafood like Marlborough Green Lip muscles with freshly baked bread, white meat dishes accented with fresh herbs and lemon. Tangy cheeses, especially goats’ cheese are a great match.
WINEMAKING DETAILS
The grapes harvested for this wine were crushed and gently bag pressed off to achieve fresh, elegant juice. The juice was then promptly clarified to fermentation tank where is then fermented slowly at cool temperatures to retain the very distinctive regional and varietal characters of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. After fermentation was complete each tank was evaluated and blended to make this Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
$19.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores
The Classic Sauvignon Blanc opens with grapefruit and a lighter acidity than the “Lighter” version but still all good. Scents of straw and stone fruits with medium body. Ripe and lingering. Very nice flavours of citrus, orange, Meyer lemon, almond or hazelnuts and a tiny tang of spice on the finish.
paired with:
Grilled Steelhead Salmon
roated potatoes, market vegetables, lemon beurre blanc
Dessert
Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘B’ Late Harvest Sauvignon
Crafted from grapes sourced from top-performing Marlborough vineyards, each wine is made in a distinctive style to reflect, not only the flavours of the region, but also the fine art of winemaking. The goal; a perfect harmony of aroma, flavour, structure and body.
COLOUR
The sauvignon blanc features a pale straw with green colours.
FLAVOUR
The palate is extensive and richly textured, with tropical notes, fresh citrus and bell pepper underpinned by a mineral core. The concentration is superb, with layers of flavour unfolding to a lengthy finish.
AROMA
The nose opens with a riot of passionfruit, grapefruit and ripe peach aromas. The palate is extensive and richly textured, with tropical notes, fresh citrus and bell pepper underpinned by a mineral core.
AWARDS
GOLD – 2021 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, VINTAGE:2020
A yummy late harvest wine with aromas of Barlett pear, sliced ripe pear and under-ripe berries, spinach, arugula and apricot jam. Flavours of hard candy when you reach the gooey centre. On the palate a surprisingly high level of acidity. So tasty.
paired with:
Sunburnt Lemon Pie
two fruit coulis
Dinner was delicious and the wine pairings were spot on. A very enjoyable evening all around. With thanks to Geoff Moss for the invitation.
Wine notes courtesy of the winery and Geoff Moss, Lithica. My notes (in italics). Images: MyVanCity and courtesy of the winery. I received two complimentary wine dinners with pairings to facilitate this feature.
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