VOLUME 9, ISSUE 25
June 2, 2013
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Vineyard: Rippon

VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2009 Rippon Vineyard Mature Vine Lake Wanaka Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.60, 1,325 cases, 140 cases imported, $58.25, Diam closure. Vines planted 1986-1991. Clones 5, 6, 2/10, 10/5, 13, Linc, 667 and 777. Parcels fermented separately. 25% whole cluster. Aged 15 months in 30% new to 4-year-old French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Expressive nose immediately upon opening with aromas of alpine strawberries, red cherries, and baking spices. A complete wine with a satisfying core of fresh red fruits, well-mannered tannins and an impressively long finish flush with cherries and nervy acidity. A classy wine that is quite enjoyable now, but has the balance to age beautifully. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Rippon Vineyard Emma’s Block Lake Wanaka Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.62, 107 cases, 14 cases imported, $80.25, Diam closure. From a vineyard parcel with an eastward facing aspect located on the lakefront with clay reefs running through schist gravels. Named after the great-great-great-grandmother of the current generation of the Mills family through which the name Rippon entered the family. Clones 5, 6, 13 and Linc. 22% whole cluster. 21 days skin contact. Aged 17 months in 25% new to 4-year-old French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light, slightly hazy, ruby red color in the glass. The nose is alive and expressive with scents of fully ripened dark red cherries and red berries. A charming wine that is light on its feet, with ambrosial red cherry flavor, supple tannins, and a good cut of acidity on the cherry-driven finish. This feminine wine shows deft balance between richness of flavor, acidity and tannin and is a pleasure to drink. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Rippon Vineyard Tinker’s Field Lake Wanaka Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.60, 105 cases, 14 cases imported, $99. From a unique parcel within Rippon Vineyard that contains the oldest vines on the property. Named after Rippon’s founder, Rolfe Mills, known as “Tink” to his friends. Clones 5, 6, 2/10, 10/5,13 and Linc. 35% whole cluster. Aged 15 months in 42% new to 4-year-old French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light, slightly hazy, ruby red color in the glass. A savory wine with aromas of dark red and blue fruits, exotic spices, earth, compost, and stem. A little more structured and intensely fruited than the Emma’s Block Pinot Noir, with layers of flavors including cherry, cranberry, blueberry, spice, sandalwood and the faintest oak. The acidity is crisp and well-integrated and the fine-grain tannins are ripe and sturdy. The finish is remarkable in length, like a 3-hour movie you don’t want to end. The most backward of the three 2009 Rippon Pinot Noirs, but still enough precocious tease to attract your attention. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rippon Vineyard Hotere White Wine Lake Wanaka Central Otago Osteiner

11.0% alc., $14, screw cap. Osteiner is a variety born of Riesling and Sylvaner, planted at Rippon since the earliest days. Imported by Station Imports, Colorado Springs, Colorado. · Very pale straw color in the glass. Aromas of petrol (not a defect) and old book. Delicate flavors of tropical citrus, lemon and white peach with a noticeable petrol presence. A unique wine with tight, vibrant acidity, soft and light in the mouth, with a very dry finish. Would be excellent with white fish or shellfish. Good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Rippon

13.5% alc., $35. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels. This is the first wine made at Rippon by Nicholas Mills and his team. · The wine is still slightly closed and would benefit from decanting. The style is similar to the 2001 vintage, but there is more of everything - more delicate red fruits, more spice including cinnamon, and more layers of flavor. The mouth feel is sleek and sexy. This is a balanced wine of great potential that will age magnificently. Reviewed April 16, 2006 WINERY »

2001 Rippon Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $33. · Light in color. The delicate nose offers soft red fruits and a hint of orange rind. On the palate, the delicate red fruits are enhanced with minerals, spice and herbs and the whole package finishes fresh and clean. An elegantly styled wine with great charm. Reviewed April 16, 2006 WINERY »

1995 Rippon Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · This Pinot has an aged mahogany color. A slightly funky nose brims with ripe cherries and toast. There is a touch of mocha and forest floor among the copious red fruits. The tannins have totally integrated into a silken texture. Probably a little Brett here, but it adds to the appeal. A real treat. Reviewed April 16, 2006 WINERY »