Michael Coopers Buyers Guide 2007.
This has been popular as an easy-drinking, creamy-smooth, bottle fermented bubbly. It typically shows some elegance and lovely harmony, with crisp, citrusy, appley flavours, very fresh, delicate and lively.
A reliable méthode traditionnelle made from the classic grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and aged on lees for at least 18 months. The nose is gentle and fragrant with citrus, yeast and a touch of stonefruit notes. It's refreshing and nicely balanced on the palate showing a smooth mouthfeel and a pleasant dry finish. Sam Kim, 2010.
Morton Estate Wines exemplifies the best winemaking techniques from the old and new worlds. Selecting the finest winemaking technology and techniques is creating striking new styles and flavours and making an important impact on our expectations. The company takes the boutique winery approach to winemaking by controlling the entire winemaking process - from grafting its own cuttings, developing its own vineyards and viticultural techniques, and investing in the best technology possible.
Morton Estate is probably best-known for Chardonnay, for which it has won numerous local and international accolades - including the Best Chardonnay in the World trophy in 1997 at the International Wine Challenge Competition. Since then, Morton Estate has expanded its portfolio, and today produces award winning Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, numerous Bordeaux blends, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Viognier while also expanding its range of Methode Traditionnelle sparkling wines.
In 2002 the company won the Schenker Trophy for Best New Zealand Wine Producer at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and in 2003 the IWC Sauvignon Blanc trophy went to the 2002 Stone Creek Sauvignon Blanc. In 2005 and 2006 our Coniglio Chardonnay 2000 and 2002 vintages won both the Regional and International trophies for the Best Chardonnay (over £10) at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London.