Zephyr Riesling 2011
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Other Vintages
2016-
Parker
Robert
The Zephyr Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are both single vineyards that are certified sustainably farmed (currently in organic transition).
The name Zephyr characterizes the prevailing wind that complements Marlborough’s unique ripening season. Zephyr wines embrace the dynamic spirit of the Glover family and the lively aromatics of the estate vineyards. The Glover family vineyards, planted in 1985 alongside the meandering Opawa River, have inspired the family’s passion for wine.
In 1985, inspired by the pioneering efforts of other Marlborough mavericks, the Glover family converted their Dairy farm in Dillons Point to vine. Being a third generation farming family meant that there was a natural ability to see the potential in the land for vineyards and ultimately the production of world class wine. The family was well aboard what has been described the greatest wine experiment ever.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
An icon and leading region of New Zealand's distinctive style of Sauvignon blanc, Marlborough has a unique terroir, making it ideal for high quality grape production (of many varieties). Despite some common generalizations, which could be fairly justified given that Marlborough is responsible for 90% of New Zealand's Sauvignon blanc production, the wines from this region are actually anything but homogenous. At the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the vineyards of Marlborough benefit from well-draining, stony soils, a dry, sunny climate and wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, a phenomenon that supports a perfect balance between berry ripeness and acidity.
The region’s king variety, Sauvignon blanc, is beloved for its pungent, aromatic character with notes of exotic tropical fruit, freshly cut grass and green bell pepper along with a refreshing streak of stony minerality. These wines are made in a wide range of styles, and winemakers take advantage of various clones, vineyard sites, fermentation styles, lees-stirring and aging regimens to differentiate their bottlings, one from one another.
Also produced successfully here are fruit-forward Pinot noirs (especially where soils are clay-rich), elegant Riesling, Pinot gris and Gewürztraminer.