The Jackson Estate of John and Warwick Stitchbury is situated in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley on New Zealand’s South Island. Planted in 1988, it is one of the largest privately-owned vineyards and specialises in producing sensational white wines from its 37 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. They concentrate on the quality of the fruit produced and, consequently, aim to keep yields low. Although irrigation is available, it is not employed during the growing season, resulting in small, intensely-flavoured fruit.

Jackson Estate’s Sauvignon Blanc shot to fame when the ‘91 vintage beat Cloudy Bay in an important blind tasting. The 1992 vintage was awarded the coveted Sauvignon Blanc Trophy by Wine Magazine/Sunday Telegraph and the ‘99, which we are currently offering, has already received good press. Aromatic, it has masses of complex flavours and a lovely crisp finish.

The Chardonnay is a deep, honeyed colour, with wonderful viscosity. It has a rich, full nose of sumptious, ripe fruit, quite buttery on the palate with a fat and oily texture.