The Kennedy Point Estate
Susan McCarthy and Neal Kunimura moved from Hawaii to Waiheke Island with only the passion and determination to grow and produce quality Red Bordeaux style and Syrah wines. Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in Marlborough were added to their selection of fine wine in 2000. Kennedy Point Vineyard, named for the Kennedy family who settled this area of Waiheke in the late 1800's, and still have an ancestral home on the Island today, was established in 1996 and their first harvest was in 1999. They are now Certified Organic.
The Kennedy Point Vineyard
The vineyard is planted on 2.5 acres. The beautiful site on the southeastern side of Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf provides a steep north-facing slope for optimum ripening of the grapes. Their philosophy of following natural viticulture methods allow them to work with premium quality grapes and use a little interventions as possible in the wine making process.
The wine produced on this property reflects the essence of the land, and supports our belief that great wine is grown in the vineyard.
Organic viticulture aims to sustain and enhance the fertility and life- supporting ability of the soil by not using chemical fertilizers and sprays. The health of the land for the long range production of quality wine and olive oil is the goal of our organic process.
Kennedy Point is fully certified by Organic Farms N.Z. as of August 2010, an organic certification program designed for small producers; it follows the strict BioGro International Standards. It was established in response to the growing cost of organic certification and the global movement towards using locally produced organic products. Our wines are fermented with wild yeast which enhances the complexity and unique qualities of each wine, which reflects the terroir of the vineyard.
No products found
Alain Jaume Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail is made from 65% Grenache the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre by less than 15%.
Deep red garnet color. Aromas of ripe and black fruits. On the palate the wine is rich, powerful and harmonious - well balanced with wild berry and pepper dominating.
Soil types
Located in and around the famous area called “Dentelles de Montmirail”, the landscape typicity is made by a rocky bar (between 100 and 600 meters high). Soils are made of clay and sand with limestone. The “Dentelles” appeared thanks to the pressure between the Pyrenees and Alps mountains. This is a land of predilection to produce both powerful and fresh wines. Nights are cooler and the grapes ripeness usually comes in late September.
Winemaking & aging
Traditional wine-making in stainless and concrete vats. Crushed and destemmed grapes. Average of 18 days of vatting with pigeages. Ageing in vats mostly and oak barrels. Bottling after 12 – 14 months.
Murray Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain is made from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%, Merlot , 6% Malbec, 6%, Petit Verdot.
A beautiful ruby color, this wine is very fruity with lots of plum and just a hint of characteristic Red Mountain minerality. It is very smooth with a slight texture of tannin on the back. This wine is a real Cab crowd pleaser.
As much as possible, winemakers Tim and Kelly Hightower take a non-interventionist approach to winemaking. They place great emphasis on vineyard selection, picking, pressing, and blending so that Hightower wines are naturally beautiful and free from pretense. They let the powerful and concentrated fruit from Red Mountain speak for itself. The result is a collection of well-balanced, nuanced wines that reveal something new and interesting each time you open a bottle.
They age in the oak barrels until they are ready to bottle.Neutral Oak 52%, New Oak 48% (American 57%, Hungarian 15%, French 14%, European 14%).
After primary fermentation, all wines are pressed directly into 59 gallon oak barrels. Aging for 19 months.
Estate Vineyard 75%, Shaw Vineyard 21%, Red Willow 4%
Red Mountain AVA 100%