Clos de Ste. Anne

Clos de Ste. Anne is our "grand cru" range of wines. The grapes are grown on a steep northeastern slope in the foothills of Poverty Bay commanding a spectacular view of the surrounding vineyards below and further out to the Pacific Ocean. Original plantings are now reaching 21 years in age and include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Naboth's Vineyard. Newer plantings have been added to expand the vineyard and now include three other varieties Viognier, Syrah, and Chenin Blanc. To date we have blended the Chenin Blanc from this vineyard into our standard wine. The new plantings of Viognier and Syrah yielded their first crop in 2005, completing the range for the Clos de Ste. Anne label. Since the beginning we have focused on single vineyard estate grown wine from our vineyards on the valley floor. Following this theme, we find no better term than "grand cru" to quantify this new property, and title it "Domaine" in reference to it being completed individually. All varieties are Bio-dynamically grown and produced on the property.

 

2009  Clos de Ste. Anne Release


I am really excited to be releasing the collection of Clos de Ste. Anne wines from the 2009 harvest. Categorically this is the best vintage I have experienced from this estate in terms of the overall season, together with the life and upbringing of these wines.
It was a season to dream of and the resulting wines continue to make me smile each time I take the time to open a bottle and enjoy the intimate delicacy, finesse and structure these wines show. In the glass these characters continue to develop over a number of days and allow time to sit and wonder. The mantra rings clearly to me, ‘Drink less, pay a little more, and invest in your happiness’.
This hillside estate has been developed around the original Naboth’s Vineyard, where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were initially planted. The 30-acre property includes vineyards, forest plantations and amenity trees, livestock and olive plantations and has been farmed using biodynamic techniques since 1989. From 2001however, additional plantings have been given to the ground and the choice, considered naïve perhaps, was those grapevines I enjoy to grow and also the wines I love to drink. Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Syrah.
Terroir is a word often used, loosely translated as a ‘sense of place’, which includes the soils and location, the earth, water, air and light, and also how we feel in the vineyard, in the winery and in daily life.
Here I want to acknowledge Shane Munn. He is charged with the upbringing of these wines; how long they lie around in a quiet dark place, in barrel, on their spent yeast cells; when to press the grapes or stir the barrels, but most importantly when to do nothing. He is the most wine passionate person I have had the honour of working with and while Clos de Ste. Anne property is a tribute to Annie, these wines reflect the nature of this man very clearly and dearly.
I hope that you will enjoy these wines in the manner in which they are offered. They are bottled on the property, under the finest natural cork which allows them to keep the harmony of the seasons. Then, meticulously sealed with soft wax adding charm and delight to the eye.
Please share.

James Millton

2009 Clos de Ste. Anne Chardonnay

There is a lovely brightness which smells like yellow. Exotic aromas of acorns, gardenia, and tangy white peach allude to the full richness of the palate. Lineal acid freshens the mouth while finishing with an expansive tangy zest.

2009 Clos de Ste. Anne Syrah SOLD OUT

  • New Release
  • Certified Organic
  • Price: $55.00
Purple-hued and a complex luminosity, the white pepper enhances the beautiful ripeness with violets, writer’s ink and dark chocolate adding to the feral compounds of the aroma. Black as thunder and sweet as a teenage kiss.

2009 Clos de Ste. Anne Viognier

This vintage has the saline structure of sake with a spectrum of aromas of tangerine, lifted peach and quince, with sombre notes of apricot, mink fur and warm leather, a hint of cardamom lingers. Think Umami.

2007 Clos de Ste. Anne Viognier

“An intense and complex Viognier with attractive barrel fermentation characters and oak influence giving it a remarkable Condrieu-like character. Silken textured with good mouth feel. Serious Viognier.”

5 stars - Bob Campbell, Gourmet Wine Traveller, June/July 2009

2007 Clos de Ste Anne Pinot Noir Magnum 1.5L

"The scents are pure pinot - sweet and floral. The palate offers red and black berry fruit flavours, zesty acids and sweet earthy hints. Delicate and fine yet also firm and grounded. A pinot of real class. The Millton's have re-drawn New Zealand's Pinot Noir map." John Saker, March 2007