A bold new label, both literally and figuratively has emerged from the Gladstone sub-region of the Wairarapa – Urlar. The new wines have a strikingly strong label with their brand strongly printed them. And the wines make a powerful statement, each with real depth of character and style, consolidating the quality of the wines from the wider Wairarapa vignoble.

Established by Angus and Davina Thomson from Scotland, Urlar has 31 hectares of vineyard, managed to organic and biodynamic regimes and the wines made by Guy McMaster, formerly assistant winemaker with Larry McKenna at The Escarpment Vineyard. The name ‘Urlar’ comes from the Gaelic, meaning ‘the Earth’ and reflects the heart of the Thomson’s philosophy of working in harmony with the land. The first releases came in 2007, with tiny quantities released, and it is with the 2008s that the potential of Urlar can be seen coming through. A vintage with the propensity to overcrop and yield dilute wines, the 2008s were carefully managed to give only 3,500 cases. Production will build up to a proposed maximum of 15,000 cases annually as the site becomes fully bearing.

Regional Wines is immensely pleased to stock the four Urlar wines:

Urlar Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2008
This is classical Sauvignon Blanc, with more than a nod towards the fuller styles of Marlborough, and in some ways capturing the weight and expression as does the best from Martinborough. This is full of ripe passionfruit flavours, combined with a line of herbs and nettles through the long palate. Wonderfully zesty, yet with an underlying pungency and hint of smoke from a small proportion of the wine fermented in old oak. 13.8% alc and 4.5 g/l rs, this is textbook Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc.

Urlar Gladstone Riesling 2008
At 13.0% alc and 8 g/l residual sugar, the Urlar Riesling is made in a dry, ripe style reminiscent of the fuller-bodied, broader, food-friendly Alsace expressions. A full, open palate of flavours that range from tropical fruits, limes, and minerals is enhanced with a complex note of honey from 3% botrytised fruit. A Riesling which has texture, breadth and weight to be very versatile with all Asian food, lightly spiced tapas and stronger cheeses.

Urlar Gladstone Pinot Gris 2008
The Thomson’s Pinot Gris has a degree of weight and texture seldom seen in other labels of this variety. Avoiding the heat that many Pinot Gris have at 14.0% alc, this was 100% barrel fermented and aged 12 months in old French oak and given extended lees work, which no doubt has contributed to the depth and concentration of the wine. Lovely spiced pear flavours, and possessing a remarkable richness and degree of sophistication. Dry with an imperceptible 2.0 g/l rs.

Urlar Gladstone Pinot Noir 2008
2008 has yielded supple, approachable Pinot Noirs that required careful skin management so as to not over extract the tannins. Winemaker Guy McMaster has succeeded admirably here. The Urlar wine is very burgundian in flavour profile, with dark berried and plum fruit in the complex spectrum with mushroom notes and savouriness. After 10 months in barrel, toasty oak nuances show, but will integrate with time in bottle. Supple and approachable, there is still good body with 14.0% alc, backbone and fine grip that will allow cellaring for 5-7 years.