Hawkshead, Central Otago

Hawkshead
Central Otago, New Zealand

Website: www.hawksheadwine.com

Ex-government minitser Denis Marshall (above) and his partner Ulrike Kurenback bought some land in Gibbston, next to Valli, in 1995, and after a wait, planted vines in 2001. Previously this property has been part of a merino sheep farm called Watiri Station. Initially, plantings were just Pinot Noir, but then Pinot Gris was added in 2006. 6 hectares of vines are now in the ground. He also does a bit of Riesling, and buys some grapes in. First commercial vintage was 2006, and the wines are made by Christopher Keys at Gibbston Valley.

THE WINES

Hawkshead Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago, New Zealand
Sweet, supple, spicy and warm with nice savoury, spicy edge to the cherry and berry fruit. A warm, round style. 92/100 (02/14)

Hawkshead First Vines Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago, New Zealand
This is a single vineyard Gibbston Pinot from 10 year old vines. 200 cases made. 'It's such a hard site,' says Denis Marshall, 'but the grapes respond to this site once they get their roots down.' Fresh, bright and fine with lively cherry and raspberry fruit. A bit peppery and grippy with nice finesse and purity, as well as a supple texture and some savoury notes. Very fine. 94/100 (02/14)

Hawkshead First Vines Pinot Noir 2011 Central Otago, New Zealand
Fresh, elegant, sweet cherry and plum fruiy with nice texture. Restrained and bright. 93/100 (02/14)

Hawkshead Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago, New Zealand
Aromatic with a sappy green edge to the sweet pure fruit. The palate is bright and vivid with with juicy cherry and plum fruit and good acidity. Grippy tannins add structure, and there’s some elegance – more red fruit than black. 93/100 (02/13)

Hawkshead First Vines Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago, New Zealand
From a single vineyard in Gibbston. Fresh, vivid and cherryish with some spice, as well as nic grippy structure. Lovely red berry and cherry fruit with a hint of oak in the background. Lovely precision and weight here: this needs a bit of time. 94/100 (02/13)