It's been a decade since Emma and Rod Easthope launched Easthope Family Winegrowers in Hawkes Bay. Over that time they have focused on making wines with a sensory thread, linking you back to their source - the vineyard. Whether it’s pure Chardonnay from one of the best Chardonnay vineyards in the country, or Chenin Blanc and Gamay from the Two Terraces vineyard, their wines reflect place. Their beautiful home vineyard, overlooking the Ngaruroro River in Mangatahi, is on board now too. This dry-grown, organically farmed vineyard is planted with Chardonnay and Syrah.

Handpicking and a light whole bunch press, yielded clear juice which was run directly to a Cast Stone egg shaped tank for fermentation. Building texture throughout the maturation was the key to unlocking the fruits potential to shine. Yeast lees contact and spring malolactic fermentation provided the necessary elements.

Pale straw colour with green hues. Gala apple, lemon curd and freshly baked bread characterise the nose.  The palate possesses mineral notes, positive salinity and line of sappy fruit.