Mount Riley Wines

Winery Information

Location: Blenheim, Marlborough

Winemaker: Sam Lipin

Properties: 200 hectares in 10 vineyards in the Marlborough region, with the winery located south of Blenheim.

Production: 1,8 millionde bottles, with 85% distined to exportation.

Web: https://mountriley.co.nz/

Its sunlight hours are longer than in any other region of New Zealand. Combined with its silty alluvial soils, this makes Marlborough an ideal place for cool-climate viticulture. The sun shines for an average of 2,500 hours per year, and even on the hottest days, nighttime temperatures drop significantly, allowing for excellent ripening and fresh, vibrant acidity.

Mount Riley’s most iconic vineyard is 17 Valley, predominantly planted with Pinot Noir. It is the furthest from the Richmond Ranges and receives the least rainfall. That, combined with its clay-based soils (and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean), makes it a perfect site for grape growing.

The 'Anderson Block' is located in central Wairau and serves as the operations hub. Its upper terrace has deep clay deposits, ideal for Chardonnay and Riesling, while the free-draining soils of the lower valley are better suited for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. This site often produces some of their best Sauvignon Blanc.

Their largest vineyard, Litchfield, consists of deeper silts with greater water retention capacity, supporting a diverse range of varieties and imparting a classic Marlborough character.

Dillon Vineyard offers fantastic northward views of the Richmond Ranges and the towering peak of Mount Riley (1,314 meters high). Planted almost exclusively with Sauvignon Blanc, it features the typical deep gravel soils of Rapaura, which are free-draining. These warmer northern soils contribute a riper flavor component to their Sauvignon Blanc blend.

Situated at the western edge of the Marlborough wine region, the Waihopai Vineyard is far from the cooling sea breezes of the Pacific Ocean. It is the warmest site during the day and the coolest at night, making it perfect for Pinot Noir and an intriguing blending component for their Sauvignon Blanc.

Their Winery Block is located right next to the Mount Riley winery, very close to the ocean. It features sandy and clay soils and is always one of the first blocks to be harvested each year.