Steve Voyseys’ Spade Oak Vineyard in Gisborne has a wide range of Grape varieties planted; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, but they also have Viognier, Petit Mansang, Marsanne, St Laurent, Grüner Veltliner, Tempranillo and Albarino – some really interesting varieties not widely planted across New Zealand’s wine regions but are starting to take a hold in some regions, especially as winemakers explore the potential for new grapes in their regions.

They also make some interesting Methode Traditionelle, Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir, a noble Viognier and a Chardonnay-Viognier blend. You’ll be able to read all about their philosophy, their vineyard and wine making practices on their comprehensive and easy-to-navigate website so I won’t go into too much detail here.

I last reviewed wines from the Spade Oak Heart of Gold range back in July 2012 when I had the pleasure of tasting their Gruner Veltliner & Syrah Tempranillo. I have just had a couple of days exploring the 2012 Heart of Gold Albarino and 2011 Heart of Gold St Laurent and I was quite impressed by these unique wines, so here’s my take on them…

Spade Oak 2012 Heart of Gold Albarino
Albarino is a relatively new and interesting grape variety from North West Spain with more #NZWINE growers starting to grow this recently with great success. This wine is pale straw gold in the glass with soft floral notes, tropical and stonefruit aromas in the nose. Lots of fresh citrus, limes on the palate with a solid acid backbone, dry finish with great length. Excellent food wine, great value and you can buy this online for $23.00 a bottle! 12% Alc/V

Spade Oak 2011 Heart of Gold ‘Saint Laurent‘
Saint Laurent is a highly aromatic dark-skinned variety mainly grown in Austria and the Czech Republic – Fabulous deep black cherry purple in the glass, sweet dark berries, floral and forest / smoky notes in the nose, wonderfully rich on the palate, juicy, plummy, jammy, but lovely soft integrated tannins and oak. My first ever St Laurent and I think I’m hooked – Glenys loved it and rated as one of her fave reds ever. Again fabulous value online via the Spade Oak Website at $23.00 a bottle! 13% Alc/V

To find out more about Spade Oak and buy these wine online, visit the Spade Oak Website Like their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.