This Riesling was made from fruit grown on mature vines, in the limey clay loams of the Waipara Valley floor ? our younger vines grow well on the lighter gravel soils. Harvest is generally late in the season when the Riesling fruit is ripe and clean as this is ideal for development of tangy ripe flavours, while retaining a crisp freshness. These grapes were harvested while cool, then given a long, slow press. The juice was settled, racked and cool fermentation in stainless steel followed. This has produced a full flavoured Riesling with fresh aromas of citrus, and crisp apple along with hints of ginger and spice. These flavours continue into the palate, forming a juicy wine with a perfect balance between sweetness and tangy acidity.

Food Match This Riesling will develop in the cellar for several years, but is equally delicious now with a wide range of foods- seafood and cuisine with Thai and Japanese influences, or as an aperitif with smoked salmon and avocado. Drink this now or cellar for up to eight years.

A full bodied, savoury Pinot Noir with appealing layers of red fruit flavours, which  drinks well now and can age superbly for the next four to five years. This is smooth, savoury and complex in flavour with layers of red fruit, tangy freshness from bold acidity that is held in balance by weight and texture. 

Black Estate - This Riesling is grown on the rolling slopes of our Damsteep Vineyard.  The site's dense clay and mineral limestone provide weight, texture and salivating freshness.  A true character.

The name Mon Cheval is in homage to the owner's champion racehorse, Under Cover Lover, whose winning ways helped the dream of making wine possible. The 2.2 hectare vineyard is found at the entrance to Weka Pass in North Canterbury, and is planted with Pinot Noir and only a small amount of Riesling.

VINEYARD - The fruit was sourced from one of the oldest vineyards in the Waipara Region.  The vines are sustainably managed and maintained in order to deliver fruit with a great balance of concentration and acidity. 

SOIL TYPE - Clay over Alluvial gravels

WINEMAKING - After gently pressing this wine was fermented in seasoned French oak and aged on lees for 7 months.

TASTING NOTES - Wonderfully fruited and richly expressed, the bouquet shows golden peach, lychee, mango and rose petal aromas with a lovely spicy overtone. The palate delivers terrific fruit power and intensity combined with creamy mouthfeel and velvety texture, finishing long and sumptuous.  Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

"This Pinot Noir has a bouquet of sweet berry fruit, and cherries. With notes of earthy forest floor and mushrooms, the palate is elegantly well balanced with fine tannins and boasts a lingering finish. This is delicious when served with many red meat dishes, and is particularly good with duck or a rich mushroom risotto. The flavours in this wine develop beautifully in the wine glass." - Ataahua wines