Wairau River Botrytis late harvest Riesling

Originally established in 1978 after being replanted from a lucerne (alfalfa) farm, Phil and Chris Rose began hand planting vines, and after contract growing grapes for many years they decided to produce their own wine in 1991, and the Wairau River label was born. Now run by the next generation of the Rose family, Sam has spent his formative years working with some of the best winemakers in the region producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc.

Produced from the Rapaura vineyard located next to the winery, this site produces intensely sweet and flavourful fruit producing pure botrytis characters in certain years. After being carefully hand picked and gently pressed, it is transferred and rested in a mixture of seasoned French oak barriques and stainless steel.

Intensely concentrated, luscious flavours stack the palate of this wine. The botrytis concentration is classic, with a honeyed toastiness that is accompanied by rich notes of marmalade and dried apricot—a truly remarkable wine that will endure and evolve over many years of cellaring.