The Wrekin Vineyard is a family owned and operated organic and biodynamic vineyard nestled in the rolling slopes of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc wine.
The Wrekin Vineyard lies within its own small valley located on the north facing slopes of the Fairhall Valley. It is part of a sub-region of Marlborough known as the Southern Valleys. Andrew and Jan Johns, together with vigneron Jeremy Hyland and winemaker Hätsch Kalberer, endeavour to produce wines that best represent the unique terroir of this site produced by certified organic and biodynamic practices. In 2022, they saw the completion of their on-site, gravity flow winery which means fruit will be grown, made into wine and aged without leaving the farm.
THE PEOPLE
Jan, Andrew and their family (David, Libby & Anna) moved south to farm, and in 1998 and began planting Pinot Noir in 2002, on the north facing slopes of their foothills. Under the guidance of Jeremy Hyland and with additional winemaking guidance from Rowan Langdon (of Whitehaven) and from 2018, Hätsch Kalberer, their 20 year old vines are now producing award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
The farm is more than the wine. Year after year, Jan finds a team of farm hands who, under Jeremy’s guidance, work together like a family to steward the land and fruit and really make The Wrekin Vineyard a unique part of the world.
THE PLACE
Land, Organics & Biodynamics: Ancient clay soils overlying greywacke parent rock are significantly different from the loess soils occurring in the lower areas of Marlborough/the Wairau Valley. The elevation, rolling hillside and orientation of the vineyard blocks which were established on undisturbed soils also contribute to the unique terroir of this site. The Wrekin committed to organic viticulture from 2012 biodynamic practices from 2018. In 2019 they achieved organic certification with Biogro #5732.
Vines: First planted in 2002, their vineyard includes Pinot Noir, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grapes. To achieve balance between canopy and fruit they focused on matching vigour of soils and plants resulting in a vine density of approximately 3200 stems per hectare. Irrigation has been limited to intermittent applications (say fortnightly) for 12-18 hour periods. Depending on the season they have been able to dry farm significant areas of the vineyard. Yields differ from clone to clone, aspect to aspect and season to season.
Pinot Noir: Planted 2002. Since 2007 they have produced a Wrekins ‘Needle’s Eye’ Pinot Noir, the purpose being to learn about the vineyard by retaining a modest amount of an estate wine from each vintage. They have progressed this theme over the years as they see their wines expressing the subtle influence of terroir, vine age and organic/biodynamic viticulture. From 2020, and for selected vintages thereafter, a small portion has been put aside to produce a ‘Red Admiral’ Reserve, yet to be officially released.
Chardonnay: Planted 2009. The 2020 Olive Grove is the first Chardonnay produced under The Wrekin Vineyard label. Olive trees border the two chardonnay blocks north and west respectively.
Chenin Blanc: Planted 2008. The Chenin Blanc vines are located on hillside overlooking the dam constructed as a rainfall catchment for irrigation as required. The slopes of this block have a variety of topsoil profiles and aspects.
THE WINES
Current releases available from: https://wrekin.co.nz/shop/
The Wrekin Libby’s Block Chenin Blanc 2020:
Open and intense with orange blossom stone fruit on the noise. All the classic aromatics of a chenin blanc. Dry and broad pallet. Fullness in the mouth and a strong lingering finish…
The Wrekin Olive Grove Chardonnay 2020:
True to the style of a petit chablis, uncluttered. Elegant complexity where nothing dominates. “A bright and crunchy chardonnay with sliced apple, lime, lemon and stone…
The Wrekin Needle’s Eye Pinot Noir 2015:
This wine showcases the outstanding 2015 growing season for Pinot Noir. Red and dark berries intertwine with maraschino cherries and the more savoury tones of Mediterranean herbs…
The Wrekin Needle’s Eye Pinot Noir 2016:
Appealing and expressive on the nose. Dried strawberries and crimson plums, developing some more savoury layers of spices and cedar wood…
The Wrekin Needle’s Eye Pinot Noir 2017:
Savoury layers and leather on the nose. Soft round tannins, with layers of dark fruits – blackcurrants. Integrated spices are beginning to evolve…
Coming Soon:
The Wrekin Needle’s Eye Pinot Noir 2018:
https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/199429/the-wrekin-pinot-noir-marlborough-needles-eye-2018
Score: 94 Points 22 Oct, 2022 – A refined and clean pinot with strawberries, pie crust and some fresh flowers. Medium body and delicate tannins. Hints of cedar and leather. Light finish. Savory. A lighter year and very pretty. Drink now.
The Wrekin Pinot Noir Marlborough Red Admiral 2020
https://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-notes/199309/the-wrekin-pinot-noir-marlborough-red-admiral-2020
Score: 96 Points 22 Oct, 2022 – A floral red with ripe-strawberry and orange-peel character. Medium to full body, creamy and silky tannins and a refined, racy finish. Very long and focused. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
For more information and to purchase wine, visit The Wrekin Vineyard:
https://wrekin.co.nz/
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/thewrekinvineyard – https://www.facebook.com/WrekinVineyard/