Stanley Estates

Bridget Ennals and Steve Pellett travelled the world to find a place to put down their roots. They found that place at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, under the cool gaze of Mount Tapuae-O-Uenuku (the footprint of the rainbow) in Marlborough’s spectacular Awatere Valley. The first wines under the Stanley Estates label were were from the 2009 vintage. They really hit the ground running, with their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc winning the Best International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and the Best New Zealand White Trophy at the 2011 London International Wine Challenge. The dry Awatere Valley has a more extreme climate than most of Marlborough, with strong winds, variable soils, greater temperature fluctuations and a later ripening season. Vines are planted from sea level to quite high altitude, and the scarceness of irrigation water is often limiting to vine growth. As a result the grape berry size is reduced and flavours can be more intense.