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.
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Color: intense ruby red.
Bouquet:violet flowers, black cherry and wild black fruits.
Taste: warm, dry and with good balance.
Coming from a parcel with 8-13 year old vines planted in sandy clay and marl soils.
Harvest is 100% destemmed with a soft pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature of 28-30°C, pumping over for the first week of maceration followed by skin-contact maceration for 20-25 days with rack and return technique (delestage).
Malolactic fermentation completed.
Wine is slightly filtered before bottling.
Pairs with steak, pheasants and strong cheese.
Review:
"Dusted cranberries, racy plums and roasted spices follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, nicely chewy tannins and a juicy finish. A savory and elegant Rosso. Well made. Drink in the next 3-4 years."
- James Suckling (July 2022), 91 pts
Lismore Estate Reserve Viognier is made from 100 percent Viognier.
This a Greyton WO.
Balance is the key to this wine. Viognier is an aromatic and generous varietal, it benefits from barrel maturation and lees contact with a fuller mouth feel and increased texture. This combined with the firm acid backbone and intense fruit will allow this wine to integrate beautifully and gain further complexity over the next 3-5 years.
Rich, lush and decadent. Viognier is a gorgeous variety. Honeysuckle, peaches and dried apricot with a lingering citrus finish. A clean fresh acidity supports the extravagance of the nose and the palate.
Viognier, a traditional Rhone variety is perfectly suited to Lismore’s cool-climate terrior. The vineyard block is on decomposed shale and one of the healthiest and well balanced on the farm. The entire team looks forward to the Viognier harvest and the beautiful amber tinged berries.
The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed, slowly extracting the juice at a rate of 500ltrs per ton. The juice was settled for 48 hours and was racked into burgundian barriques (1st fill) for fermentation and maturation. The wine was left on the lees with regular “batonnage” for 11 months.
Lighter styles are often paired with curries and the like. This Viognier is different. We recommend medium bodied meals that are intense and complex. For example:
- Sesame encrusted tuna marinated in a blend of orange, lemon and lime juice spiced with sesame oil and balsamic vinegar – seared on a wood fired grill and served with griddled vegetables, or
- Free range duck breast smoked with Darjeeling tea and coriander leaves. Set on a cinnamon poached pear glazed with a gooseberry jus.
In both of these dishes, the fruit and floral aspects of the wine are complimented by the exotic and aromatic elements in the dish which are also highlighted by the spiciness from the oak fermentation; the fresh acidity freshens the palate, and yet the Lismore Viognier has the body to hold up against the weight of the duck or the tuna. It is also gorgeous with a well laid cheese platter.