The historic ‘Shaky Bridge’ overlooks the town of Alexandra, Central Otago. Built in 1878 by Grant & McKellar and straddling the Manuherikia river, this landmark bridge reflects the pioneering spirit that has influenced them as the early growers and makers of wine in this unique part of the world.
Extreme temperatures, low yields and a dry climate in Central Otago, New Zealand, produce the intense flavours of bright wild berry fruits and exotic spices typical of Central Otago’s Hallmark Pinot Noir.
Their mature vineyards, William Hill (est 1973) and Shaky Bridge were chosen by their winemakers for their consistent flavour characteristics for our export brand - Shaky Bridge.
Growing wine in Central Otago is not for the faint hearted, extreme temperatures and late frosts push grape growing to the extremes but the rewards are superior quality fruit which leads to high quality Pinot Noir wine.
SLeeping Dogs Pinot Noir 2006Variety: Pinot Noir
Viticulturist: Richard Williams
Winemaking:The grapes for this vintage were hand-picked (some by Will and Octavia) at our family vineyard, located on the Old Gibbston Road in Central Otago.
Growers Tasting Notes: Dean Shaw and Richard Williams collaborated to produce this year’s elegant Pinot Noir. It has smoky, dried herb aromatics and warm honey, blackcurrant and berry flavors with a rich mouthfeel and a persistent finish.
Winemaker: Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company
SLeeping Dogs Pinot Noir 2007Variety: Pinot Noir
Viticulturist: Richard Williams
Winemaking:The grapes for this vintage were hand-picked (some by Will and Octavia) at our family vineyard, located on the Old Gibbston Road in Central Otago.
Growers Tasting Notes: Dean Shaw and Richard Williams collaborated to produce this year’s elegant Pinot Noir. It has smoky, dried herb aromatics and warm honey, blackcurrant and berry flavors with a rich mouthfeel and a persistent finish.
Winemaker: Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company
Sleeping Dogs Chardonnay 2005Variety:Chardonnay
Viticulturist: Richard Williams
Winemaking:The grapes for this vintage were hand-picked (some by Will and Octavia) at our family vineyard, located on the Old Gibbston Road in Central Otago.
Growers Tasting Notes: Dean Shaw and Richard Williams collaborated to produce this year’s elegant Pinot Noir. It has smoky, dried herb aromatics and warm honey, blackcurrant and berry flavors with a rich mouthfeel and a persistent finish.
Winemaker: Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company
Sleeping Dogs Chardonnay 2006Variety: Chardonnay
Viticulturist: Richard Williams
Winemaking: Dean Shaw and Richard Williams have again combined their talents to create this Chardonnay. The wine has cantaloupe, guava and orange aromatics with a softly layered mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
Growers Tasting Notes:The grapes for this vintage were hand-picked at our family vineyard, located on the Old Gibbston Road in Central Otago. The Blair Gunn block is named after my parents, Dorothy and Frank.
Technical Details: Alcohol Content 13.5%
Winemaker: Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company
Sleeping Dogs Chardonnay 2007Variety:Chardonnay
Viticulturist: Richard Williams
Winemaking: The grapes for this vintage were hand-picked at our family vineyard, The Blair Gunn Block, located on the Old Gibbston Road in Central Otago. This vintage is named after my father, Frank Blair Donaldson (1917-2007).
Growers Tasting Notes:Dean Shaw and Richard Williams have again combined their talents to create this Chardonnay. The wine has orange, cantaloupe and butterscotch aromatics with lively toffee and tropical fruit flavors and a soft layered mouthfeel.
Technical Details: Alcohol Content 14%
Winemaker: Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company