The unique stony free draining alluvial soils, together with the slightly warmer climatic conditions of the Rapaura area, produce fruit that ripens earlier than other regions of Marlborough. These grapes have a ripe fruit spectrum which is distinctive in style and quality compared with grapes from other parts of Marlborough and New Zealand.

In the vineyard, the dedicated Stoneleigh vineyard team work closely with the winemakers to develop perfectly balanced, ripe flavoursome fruit unique to the Rapaura region of Marlborough.

A minimalist winemaking approach is carried through all stages of winemaking and only subtle intervention is employed to add complexity and enhance the fruit’s unique characteristics. By only using premium juice, the wine has concentrated flavour, finesse and bright fruit expression. The yeast selected for fermentation is chosen to complement and lift the expression of terroir. Finally, the wines are very lightly fined before bottling to give clarity of flavour and style.

And the result - aromatic, elegant Marlborough wines that are a true expression of their terroir.