John Belsham, regarded as
one of New Zealand’s top winemakers and wine critics founded Foxes Island in
1992. His focus is on hand made,
regionally expressive wines – the philosophy that he absorbed in his time as a
winemaker in France, where he lived in Bordeaux from 1977 to 1981.
Following his return to NZ
he founded Rapaura Vintners - the first contract winemaking company in New
Zealand. A year later, he established
Foxes Island in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley where he focuses on premium single
vineyard wines. Notably recognised as a
Pinot Noir producer, Belsham planted the Awatere Estate with its seven distinct
terraces in 2000. The vineyard is planted primarily in Pinot Noir (70%) plus select
blocks of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Just this year John opened
his Cellar Door - not in Marlborough but at 15 Williamson Avenue. The central location and spacious show
room/Cellar Door provides a tasting room with further options for weddings and corporate
functions.
Tastings start at $20 per person for two wines with a small cheese platter, accompanied by a video tour of the Marlborough vineyard. Specialised group tastings are available by arrangement, including the option of a private guided tasting with winemaker John Belsham.
Company director Kelly Brown is often onsite. She has a sound science, viticulture and oenology background and has served on international wine judging panels. Cellar Door manager is Kirsten Heaps.
Tastings start at $20 per person for two wines with a small cheese platter, accompanied by a video tour of the Marlborough vineyard. Specialised group tastings are available by arrangement, including the option of a private guided tasting with winemaker John Belsham.
Company director Kelly Brown is often onsite. She has a sound science, viticulture and oenology background and has served on international wine judging panels. Cellar Door manager is Kirsten Heaps.
Here’s some notes on a recent
sampling.
Foxes Island Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $NZ 23
A softer style of Sauvignon without the over the top Marlborough acidity that can be off-putting. Grassy flavours with blackcurrant and gooseberry palate and a medium dry finish.
A softer style of Sauvignon without the over the top Marlborough acidity that can be off-putting. Grassy flavours with blackcurrant and gooseberry palate and a medium dry finish.
Foxes Island Chardonnay 2009 $NZ 40
Creamy, toasty and mellow with stone fruit characters and a long finish.
Fox Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2009 $NZ 23
Creamy, toasty and mellow with stone fruit characters and a long finish.
Fox Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2009 $NZ 23
Soft and silky, with spicy red
berry fruit a hint of liquorice and a savoury earthiness.
Foxes Island Belsham Estate Pinot Noir 2008 $NZ 42
Elegant and savoury, with herbal and red berry fruit flavours. Beguilingly delicate at first, yet with a lengthy complex finish.
Foxes Island Belsham Estate Pinot Noir 2008 $NZ 42
Elegant and savoury, with herbal and red berry fruit flavours. Beguilingly delicate at first, yet with a lengthy complex finish.
Foxes Island
15 Williamson Avenue
Grey Lynn
Auckland City
Open Monday to Friday 9.00 am -6.00 pm Saturday 12.00 Noon -5.00 pm.
Phil
Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine Tours in Auckland.
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