Omihi Waipara
New Zealand Wine
Black Estate
Black Estate is a remarkable
place for wine.
A family owned vineyard on the warm, sunny slopes of the Waipara Valley, where the vines grow through clay and limestone soils to produce intense wines completely expressive of this site.
Our wines are hand crafted using artisan techniques and a dedication to creating exceptional Waipara Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Vineyard
Omihi, Waipara. New Zealand.
Latest News
Our first Riesling
This year we were able to extend the Black Estate family with a Riesling.
Waipara Riesling is one of our passions and we were able to source a small lot of local Omihi grown Riesling. Hand picked and whole bunch pressed, the fruit was minimally settled and then fermented in stainless steel. Gradually the juice becomes wine, and when rich fruit, dense weight, and crisp acidity reach agreement we rack the must, stopping the fermentation and continue maturation on fine lees over winter. The wine is then filtered in bottled in the Spring.
Planted in 1993, Black Estate Vineyard consists of eight hectares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines rooted in soil uniquely characteristic of the region.
Waipara has a long and dry autumn, ideal for ripening fruit. The cool nights retain freshness, whilst warm days build concentration.
Waipara has a long and dry autumn, ideal for ripening fruit.
The vineyard is carefully handled through the change of each season by Vineyard Manager Alistair Blair. Alistair is eagerly assisted by the rest of the family who almost always do exactly as they are told. A detailed focus is on thoughtful winter pruning, maximising soil health and restricting yields using sustainable practices.
Read more about Black Estate Vineyard
A Brief History of Wine
- 0008
AD. - Site of Black Estate formed during mid-Holocene period
- 1993
- Black Estate planted by Russell and Kumiko Black
- 1999
- First Black Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Vintages released
- 2007
- Black Estate purchased by the Naish Family
- 2008
- First Black Estate Riesling released
The Season Report
Spring 2008
The vineyard appreciated a fantastic soaking during winter leaving it in optimal shape for Spring. After a year of close observation we've refined the pruning at Black Estate: throughout the season we've observed how the vines react to the different conditions of the particular vintage. At harvest we now pick the vineyard in separate lots according to the maturity and readiness of individual areas. It just makes better wine.
Wines
Our wines are made in one of Waipara's most modern cellars using traditional techniques. Under the direction of winemaker, Nicholas Brown, all fruit is hand picked and sorted. Nicholas firmly believes the best wines are made in the vineyard and that the winemaker merely guides the grapes into unique wine completely expressive of its site.
More on Nicholas' winemaking philosophy.
Black Estate Omihi
Riesling 2008
For our first release of Black Estate Riesling fruit was sourced from a neighbouring vineyard with similar clay and limestone rich soils. Fermented to a point where fruit intensity was balanced by crisp mineral acidity. Rich and refreshing this fragrant Riesling captures the essence of Omihi soils and Waipara climate.
Black Estate
Chardonnay 2007
The seventh release of Black Estate Chardonnay captures the restrained elegance of the vintage. Delicate and alluring aromas introduce a wine with rich texture and intriguing length.
Black Estate
Pinot Noir 2006
Perfumed and inviting the 2006 Black Estate Pinot Noir displays all the characters that excite us about the dense soils in Omihi Waipara. Beautifully presented fruit, silky and mouth filling palate weight, and long lingering flavour length.
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Stockists
Perhaps Sir or Madam would like to try the Black Estate?
Christchurch
- Eadie Fyes
- Hemmingway Fine Wines
- Vino Fino
- Ballantynes
- Provence Fine Foods Akaroa
- Traiteur Merivale
- The Bicycle Thief
- Rotherhams of Riccarton
- Chinwag
- Barcelona
- The Millennium
- No 4 Merivale
- Vangionis Akaroa
Wellington
- Floriditas
- Matterhorn
Auckland
- The French Cafe
- Caros Wine Merchants
- Tabou Kingsland
Wine Making
Let's talk grapes
Nicholas Brown
- Winemaking & Viticulture Consultant
Ever since the first release of Black Estate the potential of the site could be tasted in the rich and expressive wines produced. Now after fifteen years the vines at Black Estate have developed root systems that penetrate deep into the earth, exploring further the complex soils beneath them. The vines' discoveries are amplified at harvest in the form of rich and concentrated fruit with a depth of aroma and flavour that can only come from mature vines allowed to speak of their special surroundings.
With this in mind the role of the winemaker is truly gentle and guiding.
More on Nicholas' winemaking philosophy.
For a winemaker, working with wine grown from a site like Black Estate is a pure joy. We hope you enjoy drinking the wines as much as we have enjoyed making them.
Row 57, between 56 and 58, is a quiet achiever.
Pssst, join the Black List
Friends of Black Estate are privy to special treatment reserved for our most loyal supporters and very best customers. So, get yourself 'Blacklisted' and you will receive updates about the wine, vintage and special offers.
Contact
Telephone 03 377 0398
614 Omihi Road, Waipara
PO Box 13280
Christchurch 8141
New Zealand
If we seem friendly and obliging,
that's the wine talking.
Rod Naish
Director
Rod and Stacey, and their family, are the proprietors of Black Estate. Rod has 40 years experience in professional horticulture and business management. He is also a proud father-in-law to Nicholas and Alistair.
Nicholas Brown
Winemaker & Viticulture Consultant
Along with his role at Black Estate, Nicholas continues to craft wine for the renowned Daniel Schuster Wines, where he has worked since 2002. He has also learned much from vintages spent in Chianti, Barolo, Napa and Oregon.
Alistair Blair
Vineyard and Sales
Alistair has worked with organic produce and is now a viticulture specialist after several years working with vines in Waipara. Alistair is also the local salesman for Black Estate wines.
The kind of place a man can really get some thinking done.
The region,
Omihi Waipara, New Zealand
Black Estate vineyard lies on the idyllic, sunny, limestone and clay slopes of Omihi in the picturesque Waipara Valley, 45 minutes from Christchurch in New Zealand's South Island.
Waipara Wine & Food District is one of the 5 main wine districts of New Zealand. It is renowned for the production of cool climate varieties especially, distinctive Rieslings, Pinot Noir, and fine Chardonnay. This is a fast growing Wine District, offering an exciting diversity of limestone and clay slopes and soils on gravel plains.
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