This month we stay in Marlborough and visit Lake Chalice Wines, one of the few remaining privately and locally owned wine companies in New Zealand. Proudly owned by the Ibbotson family and located in the country’s premier wine-growing region, Lake Chalice prides itself in exceptional quality from grape to glass.
The People
Since 2015, the Ibbotson family have owned Lake Chalice. They too are respected early mavericks of Marlborough and renowned for a down to earth wine philosophy. They continue to deepen the connection with our endangered Karearea by proudly supporting the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust.
Neal and Judy Ibbotson are viticulture pioneers from Marlborough. Neal has a long background of farming, having a farm of pigs while working as a farm advisor for rural Marlborough farmers, before planting grapes in the early 70’s. Astounding viticultural knowledge combined with a large amount of passion, commitment, dedication and drive has assisted Neal and Judy in creating a leading New Zealand wine brand (Saint Clair Family Estate). Saint Clair purchased the Lake Chalice brand in June 2016.
Winemaker – Chloe Gabrielsen
To ensure the diverse micro-climates and terroir of the Marlborough valley are translated into all of their wines, winemaker Chloe Gabrielsen takes a boutique approach, independently fermenting unique parcels of fruit from single vineyards. This combined with the biodiversity of their three unique vineyard sites, is the formula that retains the quality and reputation of Lake Chalice Wines globally.
Raised in Turangi on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo, Chloe’s early exposure to viticulture began with helping her parents pick out wine from the local store (fiends for a big Aussie red). After finishing college in 2001, Chloe moved to Marlborough to pursue a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology through Lincoln University, completing her first harvest at the Saint Clair Family Estate in 2006.
Now Chloe represents Lake Chalice as Winemaker, expressing our vineyards through our wines; that is when she’s not being a Mum to Asher, a member of multiple sports teams, performing in Kapa haka (Maori performing arts), being a cross-fit addict or cooking a mean kai (kiwi food).
Viticulturist – Jarrah Prior
Jarrah Prior hails from the world-renowned wine region of the Mornington Peninsula (Victoria, Australia), His wine career commenced when he was 18 years of age, completing his first vintage as a Cellar Hand in the Yarra Valley. Jarrah gained a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University following which moved to Australia’s spectacular Margaret River wine region where he worked as Winemaker for Devil’s Lair.
The move across the ditch from Australia to New Zealand happened during 2019, and Marlborough was selected as the destination. Initially employed at Saint Clair Family Estate to cover a maternity leave Winemaking position, Jarrah quickly and easily cemented himself within the team bringing with him knowledge and experience.
After working in this Winemaking role an opportunity came available to move into a role that encompasses viticulture whilst maintaining a winemaking component. Lake Chalice Wines is fortunate to be able to utilise the vast knowledge and experience Jarrah has to offer in the management of our own unique vineyards.
The Place
Lake Chalice Wines have three vineyards in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, the Waihopai Valley and in the now famous Dillon’s Point area immediately to the east of Blenheim.
Falcon Vineyard
The Falcon Vineyard was the foundation site for Lake Chalice Wines, situated in the heart of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley and on part of an old river course. Vines must be carefully coaxed and nurtured to grow on its stony, sandy soils. Harvest yields are low but the return is intensely flavoured fruit. Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot
Eyrie Vineyard
This is their flagship vineyard located in the beautiful Waihopai Valley on the southern side of the Wairau Plain. It is their flagship not only because the views are breathtaking, but also because it has a high clay content in its soil profile and this means it grows incredible Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. And this makes them very happy. Varieties: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Talon Vineyard
Located in the now famous Dillon’s Point area immediately to the east of Blenheim, the Talon block has rich, fertile soil with silty loam to a depth of at least 1.5 meters. This means the vines produce concentrated flavours in the grapes with the distinctive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc zing that the region has become famous for. Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
The Wines
Our wine is the liquid form of what rings are to a tree’s trunk. They are the product of our teams kaitiakitanga, our guardianship and connection to the land and the elements. They are a moment in time, captured in a bottle.
Lake Chalice have four labels in their range to choose from. The wines are their understanding of the land and each vineyard’s nuances, they are their response to the weather, to the elements, to each vine and individual pockets of fruit. The challenge as winemakers is to bring out the best in every variety and to celebrate what each season and harvest provides. Their goal simply is to create wines that everyone can enjoy, for each drop to tell its own story and its journey.
Plume
The Maori translation of Plume, or feather, is Raukura. It is a significant adornment worn by people of high ranking, prestige, or mana. It is not for just anyone. It is special, it is ornamental and should be treasured. The Plume range looks to bring a different perspective to fine wines. The core idea comes from the link between the feather and the land, the people and the environment. It’s about fine attention to detail, where simplicity and complexity bathe in beauty.
Sit back and savour the rich notes and let the subtle flavours take flight on your palate. The wine creation utilised many traditional winemaking techniques to enable a true expression of terroir. Made only in years of outstanding harvest and usually bottle aged for release. Currently Plume Pinot Noir & Plume Chardonnay and Plume Méthode Traditionnelle NV; a Plume Sauvignon Blanc on the way later this year.
https://lakechalice.com/
The Raptor
Th Raptor range of wines align with the birds of prey as (like the birds) they are superior examples. Lake Chalice winemaker Chloe targets particular small parcels of unique fruit, sometimes from a single vineyard, that stand out as excellent examples of a particular variety displaying clear varietal expression.
The Falcon
The Falcon range is the mainstay and signature of the Lake Chalice portfolio. Representing signature flavours unique to our vineyards expressed in a wide range of grape varieties. Lake Chalice Wines also contribute towards the Falcon Trust to help preserve and rehabilitate New Zealand’s indigenous birds of prey.
The Nest
The Nest range of wines are created utilising careful selection of vineyards from sites across Marlborough. The wines offer the renowned Marlborough wine experience with expressive flavours and an approachable style.
Read more about each of these three labels here: https://lakechalice.com/
Collaboration – The Falcon Trust, Cranky Goat, Taste Manaaki
Lake Chalice loves collaborating with and supporting local businesses within their community. There are a few Marlborough businesses that they’ve teamed up with such as the Falcon Trust, Cranky Goat & Taste Manaaki. These people provide them with additional support for their brand and they in turn support and promote them with their endeavours where we can.
Visit https://lakechalice.com/ to read more
ACCOLADES
Lake Chalice Scores Two Gold & Four Silver Medals – We are very excited to announce six medal wins from the 2024 NZ International Wine Show, arguably the most prestigious wine competition in New Zealand.
Gold Medal – 95 Points: Lake Chalice Plume Pinot Noir 2019
Gold Medal – 96 Points: Lake Chalice The Raptor Chardonnay 2022
Silver Medal – 93 Points: Lake Chalice Plume Chardonnay 2022
Silver Medal – 93 Points: Lake Chalice The Raptor Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Silver Medal – 92 Points: Lake Chalice The Raptor Pinot Noir 2023
Silver Medal – 93 Points: Lake Chalice The Nest Rosé 2023
To help you celebrate, Lake Chalice are offering 10% off all the winning wines. Visit: https://lakechalice.com/
JB’s Tasting Notes
Lake Chalice The Nest Rosé, 2023 Marlborough NZ
Very pale salmon pink in colour with soft copper hues. On the nose it’s all about the raspberries / strawberries cream & a hint of spice. Red berry & cherry fruit flavours on the palate, a zesty ‘mandarin’ citrus acidity is balanced with residual sweetness, a hint of spice and creamy mouthfeel on the finish. Tasty, refreshing and well priced rose for summer! RRP:$20.00
Lake Chalice The Nest Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough NZ
Pale straw, almost clear in colour with faint green hues. Fresh aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, green herb & savoury/ wet stone notes in the nose. On the palate lush flavours of lemon & lime citrus, passion-fruit, green apple & gooseberries, a crisp acidity & a stony mineral mouthfeel on the finish. Delish! A very drinkable lighter savvy at just 9.5% abv. RRP: $20.00
Lake Chalice ‘The Falcon’ Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough NZ
Bright pale straw in colour with a subtle green hue. The nose is intense with lemon citrus, stone-fruit & tropical fruit aromas, savoury green herb & cut grass notes follow. Juicy & vibrant on the palate, with lemon, lime & passion-fruit flavours, a crisp citrus acidity, slight salty minerality adding texture. The finish is long dry & concentrated, classic zingy & juicy Marlborough savvy. RRP:$20.00
Lake Chalice ‘Plume’ Sauvignon Blanc, 2021, Marlborough NZ
Clear mid yellow – gold in colour, with a light oily viscosity. Complex nose with aromas of citrus, stone-fruit, red apples & subtle vanilla, oak & lees / yeasty notes. The palate is creamy & layered with fruit flavours reflecting the nose, tropical fruit too, a refreshing acid backbone, subtle spice, oak textures & creamy lees elements all in unison. Rounded, mouth-filling dry finish. I love barrel-fermented, lees-aged savvies & this is an excellent example. Highly recommended. RRP: $42.00
Lake Chalice ‘The Raptor’ Pinot Noir 2023, Marlborough NZ
Gorgeous deep garnet / raspberry red in colour to the rim. It’s all about red & dark berries in the nose at first, then plum, savoury herb & oak spice notes follow. A medium bodied, textured palate has ripe raspberry, boysenberry & plum fruit flavours & sweetness, with some savoury herb and chocolate notes, nicely integrated acidity, silky tannins & subtle oak end in a long dry very agreeable finish. Still needs some time but drinking well already! RRP: $30.00
Lake Chalice ‘Plume’ Methode Traditionelle NV, Marlborough NZ
Clear pale green-gold in colour, creamy mouse on pouring, fine persistent bed. An aromatic nose of warm bread, vanilla-wine biscuits, lemon drops & ripe peaches. On the palate a lovely crisp, lemon-citrus acidity, then a rich creamy & leesy mouthfeel with sweet stone-fruit & green apple flavours, vanilla biscuits & a long dry but juicy finish. The first & a limited release Methode Traditionelle from Lake Chalice made from 68% clone 95 Chardonnay 32% Clone 5 Pinot Noir – A most excellent complex and elegant bubbles! RRP: $59.00