Chard Farm's Mata-Au vineyards are located in the Lowburn and Parkburn areas of the Cromwell basin. The vineyards are planted on the terraces and alluvial schist based soils formed by the Mata-Au (Clutha) River (pronounced martar-o). The unique combination of site, soil and mild continental climate produces perfumed wines with elegant texture, structure and mineral length. It is made from the best blocks in our best vineyards in the Lowburn/Parkburn sub-region. Mata-Au showcases the succulent red fruits and silky tannins that are the hallmarks of this sub-region, delivered in our elegant, textural and length driven style. The bouquet becomes increasingly attractive as it shifts through ripe red berries, sweet floral tones, darker spicy notes and herby complexity. The fresh red fruits, spice, and later wild herb flavours hold a wonderfully harmonious shape and texture, nicely supported with fine persistent tannins and calm acidity.

Dark on the nose, with appealing aromatics of black cherry and bramble fruit. The palate reveals layers of florals, gentle spice, melding with notes of boysenberry and Doris plum and framed by finely realised, silky tannins and juicy acidity.

Aroha is a romantic word in the Ma0ori language of New Zealand meaning love. Reflective of its namesake, Aroha is handcrafted with passion from two unique parcels of Pinot Noir, including one of the legendary Abel clone. The fruit is grown on a slope of an elevate terrace of fertile land at the Te Muna Road vineyard where an ancient dried river bed delivered nutrient rich soil perfect for growing Pinot Noir. A traditional burgundy in colour with a soft crimson hue. The palate is lively and pure, focusing towards a red fruit core, whilst the tannins are prevalent but balanced. The concentration of flavour is high as a result of the low yield. Plenty of personality in a wine that will continue to soften with age.

Handpicked from the higher terrace of the vineyard and fermented with indigenous yeast producing a wine with a silky layered texture providing interest and complexity. Burgundy in colour with a light crimson hue. Dried lavender and garigue, distinctly Te Muna perfume on the nose. An elegant palate with a warm core of brambled wild berries, porcini mushroom and red cherry in balance with the silk-laden tannins, which perfectly frame the wine. It speaks volumes to an incredible site.

Marlborough is a special place for wine. Perhaps it's the cloudless skies or mild temperatures or well-drained soils. It could be the long growing season or our sustainably-farmed vineyards. Whatever the reason, the result is wines that are marked by piercingly vibrant fruit flavours and lively acidity. A bouquet of ripe plum, wild berry and red currant introduce our Pinot Noir. The wine is bright and juicy with flavours of cranberry and red fruits. A soft tannin structure and integrated oak round out the palate.

The Devil's Staircase takes the willing down into the realm of decadence and bacchanalian delights. Here everything is pleasure, spiced up with a dash of naughtiness. The unrelenting environment tortures the vines whose twisted limbs produce wine worthy of absolution. These wines are sinfully succulent and devilishly good.

Tasting notes: Nose-Dark berry. Savoury. Floral. Palate-Rich. Complex. Structured. Drink-Within 2-15 years.

A bright perfumed, supple expression of Marlborough pinot noir from clay hill slopes. The fruit is supported by bright florals of rose and violets with crunchy red berry fruit and dried herb notes. The palate is succulent with alluring red cherry, brown spices and silky fine boned tannins.

Botanical notes, umami, and hints of brown sugar and bran. With time, the young oak will integrate seamlessly, unveiling layers of cedar-like Canadian maple, savoury tobacco, walnut oil, and sage leaf. A spice box of depth and complexity awaits, echoing the essence of our earlier wines. The texture recalls our clay soils; while the minerality from stones may be subtle, it frames the wine's length and serves as the skeleton beneath the fruit. There's a grunt of dehydrated zest and a flourish of blossom flowers. Picture it in shades of blue rather than red - absolutely gorgeous. A true reflection of the spirit of Dry River's beginnings.

An immensely complex and enticing on the nose with sweet berry, bouquet garni, game, violet and almond nuances, leading to a splendidly refined palate offering outstanding concentration and depth. Silky and plush with an impressively long structured finish. The wine will impress now but also will reward a few years in the cellar.

Pinot Noir; notoriously difficult to cultivate, but with luck, love & perfect conditions, she will reward you with the performance of a life time - a minx & a devil in disguise, a Fickle Mistress. Central Otago's cool climate consistently produces exceptional red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry and redcurrant, but with concentration and length to match. This wine is layered with black and red berry fruits, complemented by blossoming aromas of dark plum.

Pretty and lifted on the nose, with notes of rain-washed crushed petals and dusky hedgerow fruit, and the merest hint of spice-cupboard intrigue. The impression on the palate is rounded, with fine and well-integrated tannins and a fresh acidity reminiscent of a fridge-cold blueberry. There are notes of summer fruits here, alongside a darker damson character, and a touch of subtle vanilla. While this will hold up well against the traditional more red-meat based dishes one might associate with Pinot Noir, Fromm also recommend serving it lightly chilled alongside summer salads, chargrilled vegetables, line-caught tuna, salmon or chicken. Their favourite, za'atar spiced salmon with tahini and chargrilled vegetables.