Whilst it isn’t a household name, Hampshire, in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, has been in the Hammond family for over 100 years farming crops and stock – and in 2002 the first vines were planted. After 20 years of contract grape-growing for a range of wineries the family have started their own label – beginning with Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are single estate, hand harvested by family & friends and made by winemaker, Simon Barker.
A translucent pale lemon-green colour in the glass. Vibrant aromatics of nashi pear, ginger, lemon, hay, apple, almond, caramel and honeysuckle. The palate is dry but has a plush ripeness to it that gives an impression of sweetness and width. Both a stony minerality and grassy herbal note add a lift of freshness and energy. Texture is then important, with a mouth-filling generosity giving depth and roundness over that crisp fruit. A rather fine start to their label. 92pts
