Tom Bullen has recently been appointed Vineyard Manager at Claim 431 Vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago.
The Vineyard was previously managed by Duncan Cramp, who left the company, opting for a move to Marlborough to be closer to his young grandson and family. Duncan moved to Central Otago from Zimbabwe in 2002 and managed Claim 431 for 12 years. He was involved with planting and establishing the vineyard to become the award winning Pinot Noir producing vineyard it is today.
Tom has moved to Central Otago from Victoria, Australia and says the move was driven by his intense obsession with Pinot Noir. Tom has managed a number of vineyards in Victoria and has also gained experience working vintages in Australia and Burgundy, as well as time in wine retail in Australia.
Tom is looking forward to his first challenge which will be managing the planting of 29,000 vines across 11.5ha at the Claim 431 Vineyard next month, a project which continues the past 11 years of development.
“I’m really excited to jump into the new 2015 growing season and to get to know the great team we have in Bendigo,” Tom said.
New Plantings:
Due to the acquisition of Mud House by Accolade, announced conditionally late last year, the planting of an additional 29,000 vines at Claim 431, planned for November last year was put on hold. We are pleased to announce that the project will be commenced and planting of clones 667, 777, 115 and 5, will be getting underway this month.
The project will be managed by Claim 431 Vineyard Manager, Tom Bullen, who is looking forward to the challenge.
Sustainable Trials
Accolade Group Viticulturist, Stephen Dempster has been driving sustainable, non-herbicide trials across a 5ha block of clone 5 and 115 vines. Recent soil tests are showing favourable results for these blocks, comparing soil texture, structure, colour and porosity with other locations across the vineyard.
An interesting result has shown that across the non-herbicide block, there are on average six more worms per spade full; compared to the other blocks- an indication of soil health and nutrients. As a result of these tests, the non-herbicide trial is now being extended to include another 4ha block of 777 clones.
Name change to Single Vineyard from Estate
The Mud House wine range which was formerly known as Mud House Estate has now been renamed as the Mud House Single Vineyard range. These top tier Mud House wines celebrate the individual vineyards from which they hail. The best parcels of fruit are identified and the wine is handcrafted to be a true representation of the variety, vintage and vineyard.
The current 2013/2014 Single Vineyard releases include Pinot Noir from Claim 431 Vineyard, Bendigo, Central Otago; Riesling and Pinot Gris from The Home Block Vineyard and The Mound Vineyard, Waipara Valley; Sauvignon Blanc from The Woolshed Vineyard, Wairau Valley, Marlborough and Chardonnay from the Hungry Hill Vineyard, Ure Valley, Marlborough.
Recent accolades for the Mud House Estate/Single Vineyard range:
2014 International Wine Challenge Trophy (Top New Zealand Pinot Noir)
2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir
2014 International Wine Challenge Trophy (Top Central Otago Pinot Noir)
2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir
2014 International Wine Challenge Gold
2013 Mud House Estate The Woolshed Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2014 Korea Wine Challenge Gold
2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir
2014 Korea Wine Challenge Gold
2013 Mud House Estate The Woolshed Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Spiegelau International Wine Show Gold
2013 Mud House Estate The Woolshed Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2014 Sydney International Wine Show Blue Gold
2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir
2014 Sydney International Wine Show Blue Gold
2013 Mud House Estate Waipara Valley Pinot Gris
2013 Air New Zealand Wine Awards Pure Gold 2012
Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir
For further information please contact:
Hannah Armstrong, Accolade Wines NZL
Phone: (03) 520 6222
Mobile: 027 332 5050
Email: hannah.armstrong@accolade-wines.co.nz
Distribution contact:
Vintners
Phone: (09) 621 0210
Email: distribution-enquiries@vintners.co.nz