Terrace Edge Liquid Geography Riesling

The Waipara Valley is a very special location for Riesling. The warm days and cool nights provide perfect conditions for growing ripe, rich grapes while also retaining a refreshing citrusy acidity. Essential to the balance of the finished wine, this palate tingling poise enhances the wonderfully exotic fruit character. Floral notes add charm alongside a medley of nectarine, lime leaf and liquid honey. Off-dry, it delights the palate with its vibrant, juicy finale. The inclusion of a small percentage of botrytised grapes (so-called ‘noble rot’ which removes water from the grapes, increasing sweetness and flavour) enhances the mid-palate weight and richness. This is a masterful delight that’s fast becoming a cult wine in NZ!

• 93 Points, Cam Douglas MS, ‘Aromas and flavours of sweet, ripe red apple and lime, a layer of lime-flower and wet stones then a fine lees quality adds complexity and completeness. Off dry as the wine touches the palate with a flourish of flavours from lemon peel to apple then lime and floral highlights. Lengthy, balanced and well made, a wine ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029.‘ (2023 vintage)
• 5 Stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, ‘A terrific rendition of the variety offering both richness and finesse […] a concentrated palate displaying refined texture combined with elegant sweetness and bright acidity, finishing lingering and delicious. Style: Medium-dry. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2033.’ (2023 vintage)
• 5 Stars, Raymond Chan, NZ, ‘The nose is softly full and open, with aromas of ripe stonefruit, citrus, white floral, honey and a hint of white spice. Medium-full bodied, medium-dry to taste, aromas of ripe nectarine, apricot intertwined with lemon and honey, unfolding white lily and ginger on the finish. The sweetness broadens the mouthfeel and grows in richness. The wine is crisp with excellent acidity, balancing sweetness and lingering to a refreshing, moreish finish. This complex, well-balanced Riesling packed with interest will evolve with more complexity over the next 10+ years.’ (2022 vintage)
• 90 points, Decanter, David Longfield Part of New Zealand organic wines to try, ‘Bought by Bruce and Jill Chapman in 1999, this family-run estate north of Christchurch is home to 2,000 olive trees as well as 12ha of grapevines – a number of varieties are planted across a range of different soil types, and full organic status was achieved in 2014. A generally good growing season saw some issues with humidity at the end of January 2018, but a good summer with record hot and dry weather before harvest in March. The fruit for this wine was left longer on the vine to develop, and was made using a small percentage of botrytis-affected grapes to intensify flavours. Stainless steel-fermented, in an off-dry style, it has a wonderful nose, classic for a New World Riesling, more tropical than lime fruit but fresh with a low emphasis on the petrol tones, and light honey. On the palate it’s big, juicy, and eminently drinkable, with low-ish acidity and an open and enveloping style. Not challenging, but it gives a lot and will easily make plenty of friends.’ (2018 vintage)
• Gold Medal, NZ Organic Wine Awards 2018 (2017 vintage)
• 17/20, JancisRobinson.com (2016 vintage)
• 5 Stars, Raymond Chan & Sam Kim (2016 vintage)

**Vineyard of the Year** New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 2018 Spontaneously purchased in 1999, after exploring the Marlborough wine region, Terrace Edge Wines in the Waipara Valley is the very essence of a family owned and operated business. The North Canterbury property was originally a sheep farm, and the Chapman family began their land conversion by planting 2000 olive trees on the lower terrace. The planting of twelve hectares of vines followed. With no previous experience, the development of the business was taken on with a real trial and error approach. The development of Terrace Edge has not been unlike producing a truly great wine, it requires a real hands-on approach. The whole family is involved in the various aspects of the business. The warm days, cool nights and dry autumns of the Waipara Valley are ideal for producing outstanding wines, which reflect the varied aspects of their growing conditions. The Terrace Edge vineyard is planted in accordance with the variation in soil across the estate. Each plot has been specifically selected and matched with specific vine varieties in order to express their most desirable qualities in the finished wines once in bottle. The entire Chapman family strongly endorse the philosophy that only a healthy soil will nourish the vineyard and produce beautiful fruit which, in turn, can be crafted into high quality, distinctive organic wine. The vineyard is certified organic by BioGro, following a conversion that began in 2011. Official recognition of their organic status was achieved in March 2014. Vines planted include Pinot Noir, Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc with small recent plantings of Albarino and a variety often encountered in Austria, St. Laurent. All wines are crafted under the ever-watchful eye of winemaker Gavin Tait.