Cedalion, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Sam Harrop is a New Zealand Master of Wine, wine maker, international wine consultant, and author who has lived and worked abroad for many years.
Well-known for challenging conventions in the making and selling of wine internationally, in 2013 Sam returned to New Zealand with a challenge in mind: to make world-class chardonnay from an untested site on Waiheke Island, New Zealand – a region not renowned for chardonnay. The results spoke for themselves.
Following the success of this project, Cedalion has grown into a small, export-focused operation centered on single vineyards – predominantly Chardonnay and Syrah – with a focus on site expression and sympathetic winemaking.
Cedalion wines embody the values of their maker: Subtlety, singularity, and longevity. Wines are made from single vineyards chosen for their uniqueness and ability to produce a premium example of the varietal. They are a true reflection of the site in any given year.
All wines adhere to Sam’s winemaking philosophy: Hand harvesting at optimum ripeness, meticulous sorting and sympathetic intervention in the winemaking process.
Cedalion was the name of the servant in Greek Mythology who stood on the shoulders of blinded Orion to guide him to the East. The name reflects Sam’s huge respect for the many wine ‘giants’ who have contributed to his knowledge and experience along the way, as well as his own intention to do the same through his educating, writing and speaking endeavors.
Winemaker: Sam Harrop MW
'Arae' Chardonnay 2015
Made from the same spectacular tiny plot in Church Bay as our 2014 and 2013 Chardonnay, the 2015 vintage is the best expression, to date, of this unique vineyard site.
The 2015 vintage conveyed lime, grapefruit, lemon zest and gunflint, lending the wine a pristine citrus and white floral aroma, which integrates beautifully with subtle acacia and cedar notes. This is not a rich, ripe wine; it is a more linear, saline style that will improve for many years. The wine’s trademark zingy acidity and salty finish is present in abundance.
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