The vineyard, located in Marlborough, is situated within an ancient bend of the Opawa River and the name “the Corners” in fact refers to the shape of the road which follows this old river channel.
Freefall was named for the bungy jumping sensation that vineyard owner, Henry vanAsh and co bungy jumping inventor AJ Hackett “developed” jumping off the Kawarau Suspension Bridge in Central Otago, NZ – the birth place of bungee jumping – an area which still boasts the world’s highest FREEFALL (140m).
The Freefall aim is best summed up by “fine wine begins with the vine”. Their approach is through sustainable viticulture (the Corners Vineyard is SWNZ certified) where they strive for ‘balance’ in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of their particular site or as the French say “terroir”.
Freefall Chardonnay 2007 Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Wairau Plains, Marlborough
Vineyard: The Corners Vineyard.
Vintage: The 2007 vintage was resulted in excellent fruit set and crop levels. Consistent ripening throughout the season allowed the grapes to retain the
crisp, intense flavours Marlborough is known for. 2007 was a fantastic
vintage.
Winemaking: Coming from 10 year old vines, these grapes were destemmed, crushed and pressed before cold settling the juice. Half the juice was racked to
tank for ferment, the other half to old oak barrels for 6 weeks, and then
matured in oak for 2 months. The barrel portion was then added back to
the tank with the rest of the blend.
Growers Tasting Notes: Expressive aromas of citrus and tropical notes are supported by
subtle oak. The palate is characterised by its emphasis on opulent stone fruit flavours, generous palate weight and balanced acidity.
Food Match: Grilled fresh Crayfish and Scallops with Avocado & Lemon
Cellaring: Recommended up to 4 years.
Technical Details: Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottling Date: August 1st 2007
Winemaker: Allan McWilliams
Freefall Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Wairau Plains, Marlborough
Vineyard: The Corners Vineyard.
Vintage:The 2006 vintage was possibly the earliest vintage on record. An
unusually warm winter and spring gave an early bud burst and
flowering period which resulted in good fruit set and crop levels.
Despite the early harvest, average to below average temperatures
over the ripening period (late summer-early autumn) allowed the
grapes to retain the crisp, intense flavours Marlborough is known for.
2006 was an excellent vintage.
Winemaking:Grapes de-stemmed, crushed and pressed, juice cold settled for 48 hrs with pressings kept separate (fined, acid adjusted & added back prior to ferment). Fermented and matured for 4 1/2 months in stainless steel tanks.
Growers Tasting Notes:Concentrated aromas of tropical fruits and citrus epitomises this
classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This style of wine is refined with
great length and generous palate weight.
Food Match: Blue cod and smoked salmon pie.
Cellaring: Recommended up to 2 years.
Technical Details: Alcohol: 13.3%,
Residual Sugar: 3.8g/l pre-bottling.
Bottling Date: September 11, 2006
Winemaker: Allan McWilliams
Freefall Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Wairau Plains, Marlborough
Vineyard: The Corners Vineyard.
Growing Philosophy:Our aim is best summed up by “fine wine begins with the
vine”. Our approach is through sustainable viticulture (the Corners Vineyard is SWNZ certified) where we strive for‘balance’ in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of our particular site or as the French say “terroir.”
Winemaking:Grapes de-stemmed, crushed and pressed, juice cold settled for 48 hrs with pressings kept separate (fined, acid adjusted & added back prior to ferment). Fermented and matured for 4 1/2 months in stainless steel tanks.
Growers Tasting Notes: Concentrated aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit reinforce this as a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This style of wine is refined with
great length and generous palate weight.
Food Match: Seafood salad or mussels with leeks in white wine.
Cellaring: Recommended up to 18 months.
Technical Details: Alcohol: 13.3%,
Residual Sugar: 3.8g/l pre-bottling.
Bottling Date: October 3, 2007
Winemaker: Allan McWilliams
Freefall Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Wairau Plains, Marlborough
Vineyard: The Corners Vineyard.
Vintage: The 2007 vintage was resulted in excellent fruit set and crop levels. Consistent ripening throughout the season allowed the grapes to retain the
crisp, intense flavours Marlborough is known for. 2007 was a fantastic
vintage.
Winemaking: Grapes de-stemmed, crushed and pressed, juice cold settled for 48 hrs with pressings kept separate (fined, acid adjusted & added back to
free-run juice prior to ferment). Fermented for 3 weeks, then matured for 4 1/2 months in stainless steel tanks.
Growers Tasting Notes: Concentrated aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit reinforce this as a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This style of wine is refined with
great length and generous palate weight.
Food Match: Steamed Green Lipped Mussels with a white wine, herb & cream sauce
Where To Drink: After a day’s waterskiing in the Marlborough Sounds.
Cellaring: Recommended up to 3 years.
Technical Details: Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottling Date: August 1st 2007
Winemaker: Allan McWilliams