Cairnbrae Vineyards

Cairnbrae refers to the rocky outcrops and gravel slopes of Marlborough, New Zealand. With high sunshine hours, warm days and very cool nights the climate creates wines with the unique fruit flavors and refreshing style that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc world famous.

Planted in 1980 Cairnbrae started out as a contract grape grower for the pioneers of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, New Zealand. By 1992 they began producing Sauvignon Blanc under their own Cairnbrae Wine label. Purchased by Sacred Hill in 2001 Cairnbrae Wines hired winemaker Christie Brown in 2002 and her 2003 Sauvignon Blanc won the Air New Zealand Gold Medal and Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.

To expand it’s production of Sauvignon Blanc and to add Pinot Noir to the Cairnbrae family Sacred Hill purchased a second vineyard in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough. Cairnbrae’s wines have earned an outstanding reputation in part due to the Marlborough terroir and Christie’s winemaking philosophy: “We set out to make pure Marlborough wines with enhanced fruit flavors and lifted, aromatic aromas. Site selection and good viticultural techniques are critical; this is complemented by cool fermentation and careful blending to retain the classic Marlborough character.”

Established: 1980
Acreage: 148 acres
Wine Maker: Christie Brown
Yearly Production: 6,000 Cases

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Cairnbrae Vineyards Varietals

Cairnbrae Vineyards

Cairnbrae Vineyards Tasting Notes

2009 Marlborough Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Appearance: Brilliant Red Style: Dry Serve: lightly chilled Cellaring: 2-5 Years RS: <1 g/L ALCOHOL 14% PH: 3.58 TA 6.8 g/L

Winemaker’s Notes: Inviting sweet floral aromas of violets balance on layers of delicate cherry, omega plum and wild herbs. Complex notes of spice oak and fruit come together to give the structure which is rounded nicely with a soft raspberry and blackberry coulis to finish.

Winemaker: Christie Brown

Tasting Note Print Version

Cairnbrae Vineyards Tasting Notes

2010 Marlborough Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Appearance: Deep ruby red Style: Dry Serve: Room temperature or cool Cellaring: 2-5 Years RS: <2 g/L ALCOHOL 13.5% TA: 5.9 g/L PH: 3.74

Red plum and blueberry aromas with dark, spicy cherry. Touches of vanilla and sun-baked earth. Vibrant and rich, full-favoured palate of spicy red fruit wrapped in a velvet-coated texture. Fine tannins carry the complexfavours and give length and balance to this approachable wine. 100% barrel aged for nine months with 25% in new French barriques.

Winemaker: Christie Brown

Tasting Note Print Version

2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Appearance: Pale Lemon Straw Style: Dry Aromatic Serve: lightly chilled Cellaring: 2-3 years RS: .64 g/L ALCOHOL 13% PH: 3.11 TA 8.2 g/L

Tasting Notes: Lifted citrus blossom floral notes with ripe tropical aromas mingling with lemongrass and guava nuances. Intense and mouthfilling with searing depth of flavour. Ripe fruit salad tropical notes abound with textural depth and incredibly long finish. The overall effect is rich and seamless purity and power.

Winemaker: Christie Brown

Tasting Note Print Version