The Morton Estates Winery is a wine lover’s dream. Privately owned with the focus on producing only good wine – and some exceptional wine too! The winery’s based at Kati Kati below the Coramandel Peninsular where I lived for a year. Morton own some of the best vineyards in both Hawke’s Bay - the best area for Chardonnay, and Marlborough – the best for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. They are one of the few remaining wineries who take complete control of their own wines from vineyard right through to bottle closure, ensuring top quality every step of the way. They’ve won more awards than the Chinese Olympic Team including ‘Decanter - Best Chardonnay in the World’ and ‘New Zealand Winery of the Year’ amongst others. You can order their wines with confidence that they’re going to be good, or even great!

What’s it like?

‘Possibly the best thing ever to come out of a bottle’ was one quote from a satisfied customer! Gold Medal International Wine & Spirits Competition 2007 & Best in Class, Gold Medal Royal Hobart Wine Show 2005.

 

This is a fantastic sparkling wine, better than many Champagnes. Morton have been waiting five years to release this vintage, as it’s their first vintage to consist of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier. They’ve dropped the Chardonnay to concentrate on the two other Champagne grapes. Pinot Meunier gives this wine it’s concentrated nose and strong fruit characteristics, while the Pinot Noir contributes body and structure. The wine has a concentrated nose followed on the palate by strong fruit flavours with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. Great mousse with very well balanced acidity and a bone dry finish with great length. Once you’ve tried this wine you’ll never go back to non vintage Champagnes again, it’s pure indulgence! This is an exclusive wine with serious prestige as it’s extremely rare in the UK.

How much? Where can I buy it?

Very difficult to find in the UK but you can get Morton Estates Sparkling Method Traditionelle Black Label 2000 from www.goodwineonline.co.uk for £15.64 – way cheaper than even generic Champagne. Give it a go, it’s fantastic!