Rippon Vineyards
1. History:
* Land bought in 1912 by Sir Percy Sargood, Nick’s great great-grandfather (we are fourth generation farmers).
* Emma Rippon (Where the name comes from) was Percy’s grandmother, so Nick’s great great great grandmother.
* Rolfe Mills (Nick’s father) started experimenting with vitis vinifera in 1975 (the first of the modern era) and planted the first commercial block of vines in 1982. Rolfe was the founding president of the Central Otago Winegrower’s Association.
* The 1992 Rippon Pinot Noir was awarded the trophy for NZ’s Best Red Wine at the Royal Easter Show (it was the first time a Pinot Noir had received this honour).
2. Family:
* Lois & Rolfe Mills started Rippon Vineyard & Winery; their children continue to run it today:
* Nick Mills, Wine maker & Viticulturalist
* Jo Mills (Nick’s wife), Administration, Key Accounts & Export.
* David Mills (Nick’s older brother), Property Manager (machinery & headlands)
* Charlie Mills (Nick’s younger sister), Vineyard Manager
3. Nick’s experience:
Nick studied & lived for four years in Burgundy during which time he worked at some of the most famous Domaines in the World:
* Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron
* Maison Nicolas Potel
* Domaine de la Vougeraie
* Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
* Domaine Albert Mann
4. Land; Soil & Climate:
* Schist soils and a slightly more temperate climate (relative to the rest of Central Otago) produces wines that are defined by their linear & precise nature; Finesse & Elegance rather than mass & fruit density.
* It is also frequently said to be one of the most beautiful vineyards in the World.
5. Vines & Wines:
* Many Rippon wines are issued from some of the oldest vines in the region.
* All Rippon wines are issued from a single vineyard (we do not buy in any fruit).
* The Rippon Pinot Noir spends 18 months in barrel and goes into bottle without filtering or fining.
* The Rippon Riesling & Pinot Noir are cellared in bottle for one year before they go on the market.
* Their power is in compaction, forward drive and length rather than aromatic opulence or overbearing fruit weight.
6. Biodynamics:
* The entire property is run biodynamically so as to foster wines which are as accurate a reflection of their surroundings as possible.
* We use no soluble fertilisers, no herbicides, fungicides or pesticides. We make around 40 tonnes of compost every year.
* The wines are all produced using wild ferments (non-inoculated).
719944 - Pinot Noir 2003
Rich, ripe, succulent, fragrant aromas with subtle smoky oak, juicy black cherries and a hint of dried rose allure the senses and prepare for the generous flavours. It is earthy, with gorgeous spices like anise forging their way through the truffles and forest floor with sweet oak and a combination of sweet and tart fruit balancing the earthiness beautifully. It has beautiful flow with silky tannins throughout and the cedary French oak that comes through to linger at the end.
Website: Rippon Vineyards
