Rabbit Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2007
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The vineyard fell into decline after World War II until direct descendants of Mr McGregor, Warren and Betty McGregor, decided to replant the vineyard. And as they say . . . the rest is history.
Rabbits still run wild on the vineyard and fueled by high altitude Pinot grapes, some are reputed to be the size of ponies. But that could be another tall story...
Rabbit Ranch is a collaborative venture, formed by a group of vineyards that were all individually once part of a Central Otago sheep station. Banding together to form Rabbit Ranch, they have enlisted the help of Chard Farm as a production partner, and secured the services of John Wallace, Chard Farm's Winemaker, and Pinot Noir producer of many years.
The Vineyards of Rabbit Ranch are located in the Cromwell Basin, predominately in the Lowburn area. They are all on light, stony soils, on areas that were once part of the glacial riverbed that flowed through the Cromwell area. The grapes that come from these young vineyards, produce an early release, fruit-driven style of Pinot. It has all the hallmark flavors of Central Otago, yet is very approachable and provides an excellent entry level Pinot Noir.
Central Otago is the most southerly wine-producing region in the world. The vineyards are the highest in New Zealand at 200 to 400 meters above sea level, where they cling precariously to the steep slopes of lakesides and the edges of deep river gorges, often rich in glacial soils. Central Otago is a sheltered inland area with a continental microclimate characterized by hot, dry summers, short, cool autumns and crisp, cold winters
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Home to the globe’s most southerly vineyards, which are cultivated below the 45th parallel, Central Otago is a true one-of-a-kind wine growing region, but not only because of its extreme location.
Central Otago is more dependent on one single variety than any other region in New Zealand—and it isn’t Sauvignon blanc. They don’t even make Sauvignon blanc there.
Pinot Noir claims nearly 75% of the region’s vineyards with Pinot Gris coming in a far second place and Riesling behind it. This is also New Zealand’s only wine region with a continental climate, giving it more diurnal and seasonal temperature shifts than any other.
The subregion of Bannockburn has enjoyed the most success historically but the area’s exceptional growth has moved to the promising regions of Cromwell/Bendigo and Alexandra districts. Central Otago is known for its fruity and full-bodied Pinot noir. With the freedom to experiment here, growers and winemakers are easily exhibiting the area’s great potential.