Vineyards
At Collaboration Wines our growers and the vineyards we collaborate with are at the heart of every wine we craft. Having winegrower and winemaker aligned allows for the potential of each site, each varietal and the Hawke’s Bay climate to be realised.
It is for this very reason that Julianne has built strong long-term relationships with people who share her passion, commitment and dedication to high quality winegrowing and winemaking. We are fortunate to work alongside the following independently owned vineyards and the people who meticulously work them.
White Vineyards
The Chardonnay Vineyards situated near the coast, rivers and surrounding mountains produce grapes, which retain beautiful acidity, elegance and purity of fruit.
Kokako Vineyard, Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay
Kokako vineyard lies in the Ohiti Valley, uniquely positioned next to the Ngaruroro River and surrounding mountain ranges. The valley experiences very warm days and cool night time temperatures. This diurnal shift in temperature produces grapes with naturally high acidity and intense citrus flavours. Formerly an old riverbed the soil consists of silt loam over river gravels. Resulting wines typically show a flinty minerality, with intense citrus notes and a beautiful fine acid backbone.
Varietal / Clone / Rootstock:
Chardonnay/15/10114
Vine Age:
Planted 2001
Soil:
Silt loam over river gravels
Vineyard & Canopy management:
2 cane, arch cane pruned / Vertical shoot positioning / Leaf plucked morning sun side
Under-vine grass is encouraged, no herbicides
No Irrigation
Ascot Vineyard, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
High in the hills of Havelock North on a steep north-facing slope approximately 80m above sea level is the small vineyard Ascot Heights. High density planting on a hillside are a unique aspect of this site, creating competition and reducing vine vigor and providing small concentrated berries. Riper stonefruit characters.
Varietal / Clone / Rootstock:
Chardonnay /Mendoza
Vine Age:
Planted 2018
Soil:
Havelock North Clay Pan
Vineyard & Canopy management:
Vertical Shoot Positioning / cane pruned
Minimal irrigation
Red Vineyards
The Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are situated inland where former riverbeds once flowed resulting in grapes with intense concentration, colour and depth of flavor and structure.
Apex Vineyard, Bridge Pa, Hawke’s Bay
Apex Vineyard borders both the Gravels and Bridge Pa grape growing districts. Formerly old riverbeds the resulting soil is predominately silt overlying gravels. The gravels provide a heat trap and the silt aids in producing wines that have real depth and richness. This vineyard is the major component to our Bordeaux Reds. The narrow rows and high density plantings are a unique aspect of this site, creating competition and reducing vine vigor and providing small concentrated berries.
Varietal / Clone / Rootstock:
Merlot /181: Cabernet Franc/Lyons: Cabernet Sauvignon/338
Vine Age:
Planted 2007
Soil:
Silt over river gravels
Vineyard & Canopy management:
VSP / Single Cane pruned
Minimal irrigation
Fernhill Vineyard, Fernhill, Hawke’s Bay
This vineyard is a little gem planted solely in Cabernet Sauvignon positioned next to a Quarry. The combination of old vine Cabernet Sauvignon planted on river gravels where once the Ngaruroro river flowed is the ideal heat trap for Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive in. The result is well balanced vines resulting in small concentrated berries. The wines typically exhibit dark black fruits, iodine, earth and savoury notes with firm structured tannins.
Varietal / Clone / Rootstock:
Cabernet Sauvignon/338
Vine Age:
Planted 1995
Soil:
Gravels and light silt
Vineyard & Canopy management:
Vertical Shoot pruned / spur pruned
Minimal irrigation