Penkridge Farm is situated in stunning Central Otago, in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, and is famous for stone fruit, merino wool and of course Pinot Noir wines. Justine, PJ and Team are privileged to have found this pocket of land to grow their family, their fruit, their sheep and now their wines. They look forward to sharing this place and this journey.
THE PEOPLE
Justine and PJ Davis feel privileged to own this land. It has grounded them, given them a focus and a vision for the future.
That has even more clarity now with the addition of their two boys, Jack and Harry. The family goes back 6 generations in the region to the pioneering days of Wanaka, with hoteliers, shopkeepers, farmers and now winegrowers.
PJ and Justine met in Dunedin, and she grew up down the road in Alexandra. PJ eventually proposed [heavy emphasis from Justine on the eventually] right in the middle of this block of land and wedding celebrations were held amongst the vines. As often happens, work, travel and a busy life took the two of them overseas. Then out of the blue, a random meeting in Chicago led to the opportunity to return to Otago to where it all started.
Penkridge ties PJ back to Penkridge Downs, the sheep farm that he and his brother and sister grew up on. That farm was bought and named by PJ’s grandfather after a small market town in England near where he grew up before he immigrated to New Zealand. The land at Penkridge Farm was chosen in no small part because it looks out across Lake Dunstan toward the St Bathan’s range and the Lindis, to the hills of PJ’s grandfather’s sheep station, which still remains in the Davis family today.
THE FARM
Penkridge Farm nestles between the spectacular Pisa Range and Lake Dunstan in the middle of Central Otago, New Zealand.
Famous for hot summers, biting cold winters, and stunning scenery, historically fine wool and stone fruit dominated land use here, but more recently the ability to grow the fickle Pinot Noir grape has grabbed world attention.
The Farm is home to a boutique vineyard, producing Pinot noir and Pinot gris and chardonnay grapes. The first olive trees were recently planted, along with oak and hazelnut truffle trees. A small flock of sheep graze the land, beginning with the arrival of rare breed ram, Monsieur Boum Boum, a miniature Old English Southdown, the first step in a new sheep venture. This breed is perfect for grazing under the vines, as they’re not quite tall enough to reach the grapes.
Penkridge shares a boundary with Mahaka Katia, a Department of Conservation reserve. The Reserve is one of the best remaining examples of native saline vegetation on the Upper Clutha terraces and is home to several rare plant species. Neighbouring this important natural area emphasizes the need to farm responsibly and with minimal impact on our environment. This is a place to preserve and share.
THE VINEYARD
Penkridge Farm produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes on a 4 ha block, with another 14 ha of bare land to develop.
The vines were planted in 3 blocks between 2001 and 2003. Massive frosts in 2005 killed many young vines that had to be replaced, a stark reminder of how challenging this climate can be.
In 2019, the Farm began a vine replacement process as many of the original vines were not on resistant root stock, and succumbed to the vine mite phylloxera. This has resulted in changes in the vineyard, new vines going into the ground, changes to irrigation, fertiliser practices, all aimed at reducing our impact and improving the soils to ultimately produce better fruit and better wines.
The recent introduction of sheep helps to control grasses and weeds around the vines and reduces the need for sprays. They also provide free fertiliser, improving soil quality and helping reduce human input and impact into our grape growing. This is another step into taking a more natural approach to how we manage the vineyard and the land.
Current Pinot Noir clones are Clone 5, 10/5, 115 and Abel with the grapes harvested by hand each year and made into some beautiful wines by local winemaker Matt Connell.
Winemaker – Matt Connell
Matt Connell started his wine journey in hospitality, which led to him to working with David Evans from Passage Rock Wines, where he grew his understanding of the industry.
He competed a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology before moving to Oregon for 4 years with his wife Beth. While in the Willamette Valley, he developed a passion for Pinot Noir, and he was drawn back to Central Otago in 2005.
After several years winemaking for local wineries, he and Beth established their own winery in 2016 and are now crafting wines for several local vineyards. Matt has a hands off approach, letting the vineyard tell its own story, allowing the wines to show the best attributes of the vineyard.
The most critical factor for him is timing in the picking of the fruit, when it’s at its optimal condition, ripeness and balance. Then perfecting the blend and ensuring the wine maintains its quality in the bottle. His wines exude richness of flavour, complexity and balance.
Based just down the road from Penkridge Farm, Matt is highly regarded in Central Otago, making beautiful wines that showcase the region.
The focus now for the vineyard team is investigating areas of the land for new plantings along with new varieties to add to the wine portfolio. There is also the hope of bringing an onsite tasting facility to fruition. The next few years will certainly see exciting changes as the Farm is developed further.
THE WINES
Penkridge Farm currently have 3 wines available to purchase, taste and enjoy…
Pinot Noir 2023
Aroma – Dark cherry and plum aromas. Palate – Medium bodied with a soft and juicy texture. 750mL 14% vol
Pinot Gris 2024
Aroma – Orange blossom, lime and white peach on the nose. Palate A rich balanced palate showing Asian pear and lychee flavours, with a long clean finish. 750mL 13.8% alcohol
Pinot Noir Rosé 2024
Aroma Floral and raspberry notes on the nose. Palate Delicate cherry, vanilla and red fruits across the palate supported by a long finish with a lovely soft mouthfeel. 750mL 13.9% alcohol
Wines are all available in six bottle cases, single variety or in mixed cases.
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JB’s Tasting Notes
Penkridge Farm Pinot Gris 2024, Central Otago NZ
Pale straw in colour with the slightest green hue, medium bodied. The nose is quite floral at first then peach, pear & citrus aromas follow. Concentrated, rich & ‘pear skin’ textured palate has flavours of ripe nashi pears, lemons, white fleshed stone-fruit & a hint of spice. There’s a refreshing citrus acidity & a long, dry, luscious finish. A great wine match for Thai cuisine. Really delicious, very moreish.
RRP: $34.00
Penkridge Farm, Pinot Noir Rosé 2024, Central Otago NZ
Pretty, shiny pale ‘watermelon’ pink in colour. In the nose aromas of summer berries, raspberry, strawberries & cream & a hint of ‘smoker lollies’. A vibrant palate with flavours of red berries, cherries, red plum & spice. There’s a racy acidity & grippy tannins / textural elements, all rounded out with a little residual sweetness on the long juicy full flavoured finish. A yummy Summer Sip!
Penkridge Farm Pinot Noir 2023, Central Otago NZ
Bright, translucent dark ruby coloured wine, lighter at the rim. Enticing nose with aromas of sweet dark plums, cherries, subtle smoke & savoury notes. Medium palate with juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, nicely textured with a lively acidity, silky tannins & subtle oak spice all in harmony. On the finish, it’s juicy & warming, with 5.85 g/L RS adding a sweet element & 14% Alc. Excellent. RRP: $42.00
