Leefield Station The Gatherer Gewurztraminer

It’s a fully operational vineyard farm located in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley, it’s one of the oldest stations in Marlborough dating back to the 1840s and now owned by superstar winemaker Brent Marris. It’s Leefield Station and it’s Brent’s pride and joy.

Brent’s the guy behind The Ned wine label and way back in the day he started Wither Hills. He sure as hell knows how to make wine and he’s probably not short of a bit of coin. Back in 2012 he splashed out to buy this 2,200 hectare station which now hosts the annual Blenheim bull sale!

This is part of the Expressions of Leefield range – very limited release wines (only 88 cases produced!), small parcels of fruit from special sites. This is Leefield’s The Gatherer Gewurztraminer (possibly named after Brent’s passion for hunting!) and this is the wine that took out Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer at the NZ International Wine Show 2023! It also won a Double Gold medal meaning every senior judge gave it Gold.

The judges said “Notes of fresh lychee, white peach and apricot with orange peel and ginger spice. Plush with juicy acidity, dry on the finish.”

Meanwhile Master of Wine Bob Campbell scored it 94/100 and gave it a Top Value Award. Bob said “Intense wine with restrained lusciousness and good varietal definition with lingering flavours suggesting Turkish delight, lychee, and potpourri. Impressive wine with a hint of sweetness that is nicely balanced by gentle, fruity acidity. Should develop well with a little bottle age.”

This is a great food wine. Our hot tip is to think spices and ginger. Try pairing this wine with spicy Asian cuisine like Thai red duck curry! Yum!