It has been a while since I tasted wines from Montana – one of our heritage brands that helped forge the New Zealand winemaking industry. M by Montana is their new range showcasing a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, alongside a Gisborne Chardonnay and Waipara Pinot Noir. Chief Winemaker Jamie Marfell has crafted a set of wines that bring bold and modern New Zealand wine flavours, but with an eye on Montana’s winemaking heritage in the 50th anniversary year of the first vine plantings in Marlborough – its home.
Jamie explains: “I set out to produce an exceptional range of wines that do honour the incredible vineyards we have to work with, and I feel that we’ve really achieved something special with M by Montana. We wanted to express a modern style of bold wines that we know contemporary Kiwi wine drinkers enjoy, while still paying homage to Montana’s rich heritage. It’s such an honour to be celebrating 50 years of the first plantings this year and I feel so lucky to get to work on these wines day-to-day.”
The M by Montana 2022 Sauvignon Blanc uses grapes sourced from across the Marlborough region – from the Wairau to the Awatere valleys, presenting a ‘classic’ style of Sauvignon Blanc that the world just adores. Grassy, green herbals on the nose – really vibrant with lemongrass, blackcurrant and even some pineapple notes. The acidity is a little raspy though, and through a sweeter mid-palate, the finish presents a steely aftertaste.
Also from Marlborough, the M by Montana 2022 Pinot Gris again has great varietal typicity. Perfumed with apple, dried apricot, pear, honey, muesli and jasmine. A hint of spice greets the palate with a light acidity and a soft texture. As with the Sauvignon Blanc, I find there’s a slightly blowsy sweetness, but this time that off-dry style suits the wine – ripe and fleshy.
Sourced from Patutahi and Manutuke sub regions of Gisborne, the M by Montana 2022 Chardonnay starts with a flutter of struck-match flint – a tightness to the opening that is initially re-inforced by a tart acidity. However – stick with it, as that hardness quickly fades into a rich palate with mandarin, melon and pineapple ripeness. That acidity needs a touch more integration, but there’s a weight and texture to this Chardonnay that shows plenty of generosity and character.
The fruit for the M by Montana 2022 Pinot Noir is grown in the under-rated Waipara region – with both the Omihi vineyard and Camshorn vineyard contributing. A fruit-forward expression, with plush cherry, bramble and cranberry flavours that set the tone into the palate. A moderate acidity works in tandem with gentle tannins to deliver a juicy red that matches the fruity style of the whites in this range.
M by Montana is available at all Countdown and New World stores nationally for RRP $19.99 – offering a window into some signature New Zealand styles of wine at affordable pricing.
