Astrolabe Waihopai Valley, Marlborough

An astrolabe is an ancient instrument of navigation that measures the position of the stars, and many mariners have lent the name to their boats. Explorer Jules Cesar Sebastien Dumont D'Urville sailed the Astrolabe around Marlborough's coast in the 19th century, almost floundering in the treacherous French Pass where Durville Island is separated from the mainland. When career winemaker Simon Waghorn decided to create his own brand with his wife Jane and two friends he chose the name "Astrolabe" because of the historic ties with Marlborough and the connotations of exploration and discovery. All Simon's skill and experience, combined with capturing the essence of Marlborough in wines of purity, focus and elegance. Of special interest to Simon and the small team at Astrolabe are the unique qualities of sub-regionality as expressed in the Discovery wines, and how the sub-regions can combine as Marlborough classics in the Voyage wines. With the limited-release Experience wines Simon melds the terroir of single vineyards with edgy winemaking to create wines of individuality and texture.

Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2010 This wine is made solely from Sauvignon Blanc (many have up to 10% Semillon added) and comes from multiple vineyards in Awatere, Waihopai, Wairau and Brancott valleys of the district of Marlborough. The fruit was lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. The clear, cold-settled juice was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature using a neutral wine yeast strain to allow the powerful fruit flavours to dominate. This is a stunning example of the traditional New Zealand Sauvignon style. This impressively balanced wine possesses a ripe bouquet of elderflower, gooseberry and passionfruit. The palate is broad and lush with elderflower and gooseberry perfectly balanced by an almost Loire like flinty acidity. A natural match for many seafoods, salads and lighter chicken dishes. "Attractive fruit sweetness and plenty of concentrated red and green capsicum, passion fruit and nettle. Attractive wine with strong Awatere character. " 93 points, Bob Campbell MW, www.bobswinereviews.com "If there's a wine destined to become the next cult favourite it's this one....beg, borrow, and blackmail if you have to in order to get your hands on this phenomenal wine...." 5 stars - Yvonne-Marie Lorkin, Hawke's Bay Weekend Durvillea Sauvignon Blanc 2010 "From the Astrolabe winery and named after local seaweed, this is a rich, freshly herbaceous style, aromatic and vibrantly fruity, with lively acidity and loads of flavour." 4 stars, Listener Magazine, Michael Cooper, Feb 2010 "This zesty white delivers some sweetness at first, with plump flavours of passion fruit and gooseberry. Delectable in the classic Marlborough-region style, this zesty white delivers some sweetness at first, with plump flavours of passion fruit and gooseberry on a slightly oily texture. Then it becomes dry on the finish, with crisp acidity and a whiff of smoke. It's a refreshing sip that loves a summer day - almost as much as you do. Drink it on its own or pair it with lighter fare, such as asparagus or grilled shrimp - or both." 88 points, Globe & Mail, May 12, 2011 Astrolabe Pinot Noir 2008 To the eye, this Pinot Noir displays a deep garnet robe. Ripe plum, cherry and game aromas are enhanced by smoky French oak. Medium to full bodied on the palate - round, mouthfilling flavours of plum and cherry lead to an elegant finish cleaned up by good acidity. The oak integrates nicely with the fruit and enhances with the silky tannin structure. This wine is ready to drink now. "Astrolabe crafts an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, and they've brought the same care and expertise to this medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Freshly textured and silken, it presents intricate aromas and flavours-red berry, plum, floral, herbs and spice. Not to be missed! A great match for grilled salmon or chicken with a mushroom medley." savvycompany.ca, Sept 2010 Visit Astrolabe All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability. Read the small print for more information.