Huge thanks to Michelle Fraser for heading over from the Hawke’s Bay to Taranaki to show us through a selection of excellent Clearview Estate Wines. The nine wines were well received by those attending and we all loved Michelle’s relaxed and informative presentation style – lots of humour, information and interaction – much appreciated. We learned a lot and got to enjoy some great wines in the process.
Michelle filled us in on a little history of the winery & vineyards, including a note from Tim Turvey, the esteemed winemaker, filled us in a little on the impacts of the Cyclone and flooding in the region recently and the latest news about the Hawke’s Bay region being accepted into the Global Wine Capitals of the World. Huge kudos there.
Clearview Estate
Clearview Estate is located on the east coast of the North Island, in the Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s warmest regions. With high sunshine hours and low rainfall, it is perfectly suited to growing grapes and crafting premium wine. The area has a long history of viticulture & winemaking, with the vineyards of Clearview Estate playing a significant role for more than 100 years.
Established in 1987, owner-operated Clearview Estate is located in Te Awanga on the Cape Coast Hawke’s Bay cycle trail. The Estate’s restaurant and cellar door are long-established havens of Mediterranean inspired hospitality.
Their winemaking philosophy is simple: they aim to craft enduring wines with great fruit intensity, wines which truly represent their terroir and varietal character. To accomplish this they nurture their own vineyards and carefully select grape grower partners who share their viticultural philosophy.
The Wines
As usual the venue at the 4th Wall Theatre was excellent and the platters from Sugar Shack Platters to accompany the wines were brilliant. One lucky taster won a magnum of the Sparkling Blush, and a good discount was available for purchasing wines on the night.
We tasted a sparkling chambourcin, four white wines and four red wines from across the Clearview Estate range. Here are the wines in order with some tasting notes from the Clearview Estate website.
Clearview Estate Sparkling Blush 2021
(Chambourcin) – Summer sweet red fruit combinations with a delightful sparkling bead
Clearview Estate Coastal Pinot Gris 2022
Generous aromas of ripe pear & white flowers are followed with a palate boasting fruit sweetness & moreish fresh acidity.
Clearview Estate Coastal Riesling 2022
Impressive purity. Aromatics of grapefruit & lime.
Clearview Estate Coastal Chardonnay 2022
Oyster shell aromatics give way to a white peach & pear flavoured profile.
Clearview Estate Resserve Chardonnay 2022
Classic Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay of power & sophistication stylish with power & complexity, mealy with stone-fruit, ripe tropical flavours & substantial body
Clearview Estate Cape Kidnappers Syrah 2021
Vibrant blueberry and floral notes of Te Awanga Syrah are combined here with the power and structure of SH50 Syrah to produce an eminently drinkable synergy.
Clearview Estate Cape Kidnappers Merlot 2021
Dense rich expression of our Te Awanga grown Merlot aromas of plum & a dark fruits finish a plush round palate of finely grained tannins.
Clearview Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc 2021
This example is an elegant, floral wine, with plum, spice & berry flavours | supported by strong oak & fine tannins.
Clearview Estate Old Olive Block 2020 (Cabernet blend)
Classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Malbec. Intense cassis aromatics on the nose | fresh blackcurrant on the palate | fine silky tannins provide a perfectly balanced mouthfeel
