Master Craftsman and New Zealand's Father of Biodynamics James Millton... has just released his Grand Cru wines from the beautiful 2021vintage. Only made in exceptional vintages, James was blessed to have outstanding back-to-back vintages in 2020 & 2021. Named as “Clos” wines because each vineyard is enclosed by rock walls in the traditional European method for Cru level wines. All extraordinary old vine vineyards, bio-dynamically managed and each around 2-acres in size... they yield world class wines.

James produces an exceptional Clos de Ste Anne Pinot Noir... given how unsuited Gisborne’s climate is to the Pinot Noir grape, I would have thought James was on a fool’s errand. When you put your preconceptions behind you and try any Clos de Ste Anne Pinot... they are impressive wines. This reflects the influence of site, vineyard management and bio-dynamic winemaking.

2021 Clos de Ste Anne wines are a beautiful bunch, world class and Grand Cru level winegrowing/making. If you compare them to like quality Grand Cru European wines... they present as stunning long term cellar bargains.

Up there with the finest Kiwi Chardonnay experiences I’ve ever had was 2002 Clos de St Anne Chardonnay – I recently had a 2013 from our cellar and it was mesmerizing. Only Cameron Douglas has his ratings to date, and Fine Wine Delivery of course. Trust me... there will be higher 90’s scores to come, by then the horse will have bolted and you will likely be unable to procure any of these beautiful 2021 releases.

Cheers, JEFF

The BEAUTIFUL 2021 Clos de Ste Anne wines...

Millton Clos de Ste Anne Naboth’s Chardonnay 2021
FWD 97/100 – Cameron Douglas MS 96/100

The original Chardonnay cuttings for the Naboth's Vineyard within Clos de Ste Anne were 'appropriated' from the legendary Burgundy Grand Cru, Corton Charlemagne. The vineyard owners would be gratified to know their cuttings went to another auspicious site, because this Millton Clos de Ste Anne Chardonnay is now a NZ Grand Cru in its own right.

Millton Clos de Ste Anne La Bas Chenin Blanc 2021
FWD 96/100 – Cameron Douglas MS 95/100

From a section of the Clos de Ste Anne vineyard known as ‘La Bas,’ that loosely translates to ‘over there.’ The winemaking takes place in 600-litre demi-muids barrels, where very little is done to the wine, except for discouraging malolactic fermentation to retain the famous chipped stone, slatey minerality that Chenin Blanc does so well. As exciting as Loire’s finest.

Millton Clos de Ste Anne Les Arbres Viognier 2021
FWD 96/100

Umani is an apt description for the 2021 Les Arbres Viognier. The Japanese term for a savoury flavour not covered by sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. This gives Les Arbres Viognier a mouth-watering edge to go with its stunning array of pears, apple tart and apricot. Wild fermentation in 600-litre demi-muid barrels, the wine aged sur-lie and bottled on the property.

Millton Clos de Ste The Crucible 2021
FWD 97/100 – Cameron Douglas MS 97/100

The Crucible is a north-west facing bowl within Clos de Ste Anne, the wine co-fermented with 5% whole-clusters of Viognier. A haunting, floral, and slightly savoury wine, it will be amazing with venison over the next 10 years. Bottled on the property, using the finest natural cork. Store lying down. This wine also enjoys a time to rest in a decanter before serving.