Brookfields Vineyards Celebrates 85 Years:
Brookfields Vineyards was founded as a winery in 1937 - making it Hawke’s Bay Oldest Boutique Winery. This years’ harvest in 2022 will be the 85th vintage at Brookfields. Peter Robertson purchased the winery back in 1977, and has been creating classic wines with grape varietals grown only in specific vineyard sites and to his strict growing policy - expressing essence of place.
As Peter had said throughout his career - “It is my strong belief that superior wine comes from superior fruit; great wines are made in the vineyard”. At Brookfields, Peter lets each vintage speak for itself, giving each parcel of fruit individual attention, so as to best express each vineyard site, grape variety and the age of the vines. Peter is often referred to as ‘a quiet achiever’, diligently going about his business, shunning the spotlight, letting his wines speak for themselves. Over the years, those wines have certainly been telling a fascinating story.
As Brookfields Vineyards steps forward into its 85th year - Peter continues to set high standards in all that he does, and these character filled wines reaffirm why Peter and Brookfields are an icon in the wine industry.
Brookfields ‘Marshall Bank’ Chardonnay 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
After fermenting to dry, the wine was lee stirred weekly, integrating complex flavours and character until it was racked. Peter decided only 20% of this Chardonnay needed to go through malolactic fermentation, giving a vibrant core to the cuvée. The total time spent in a mix of new and old French oak barrels was around 10 months.
• This wine has an enticing stone-fruit bouquet, showcasing ripe peaches, rockmelon, along with integrated vanilla oak notes, which carry through onto the meticulous and engaging palate. Ripe nectarine skin and brioche characters come through from the use of wild yeast. The partial malolactic fermentation has retained a balanced mid palate vibrancy, highlighting the wines structure, elegance and lengthening the rewarding finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 10°C : 14% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 4-5 years : *Retail - NZ$37.99
Brookfields ‘Barrique Fermented’ Viognier 2021
Grape Varietal: 100% Viognier
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
The low cropping vines were handpicked on the last two days of March. The parcels were whole bunch pressed and fermentation took place in a mix of new and seasoned oak barriques. The wine was left to develop on its lees for 9 months giving the wine a charismatic depth and breadth not often seen with a Viognier.
• On the nose you will be engaged by a breeze of freshly cut lemon grass, a soft note of peach and forest edge herbs. Across the generous but definitely elegant palate you are reunited with those ripe fleshy peaches, along with being introduced to honeysuckle, along with an almond pastry character from the controlled use of seasoned oak barriques and then wrapping things up nicely in a bow with a clean dry finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 10°C : 14% Alc. - Dry Style : Cellar 3-4 years : *Retail - NZ$27.99
Brookfields ‘Sun-Dried’ Malbec 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Malbec
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
During the sun-drying process, the fruit bunches are vigilantly monitored as this technique heightens the concentration of the individual berries, as well as the final colour, aromas and richness of flavours. After an attentive vinification, the wine then went into a mix and one and two-year old French oak barrels for ageing and further development.
• The forest fruits and dried herb aromas are hypnotising. Those enticing nuances carry through and reveal all on the rich and generous palate, with a concentrated core with a succulent texture. The vibrant dark berry fruits are complemented by hints of cinnamon and mocha. Which are supported by integrated and nicely balanced fruit tannins and time on oak barrels - giving the wine breadth and length to remember.
• No decanting & serve between 16°- 18°C : 14% Alc. - Dry Style : Cellar 4-5 years : *Retail - NZ$27.99
Brookfields ‘Hillside’ Syrah 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Syrah
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
The Syrah parcels were fermented in closed fermentation tanks and after malolactic fermentation racked into new French oak barriques. The wine was taken out of the oak after 18 months and estate bottled under cork.
• On the nose, you are enticed by ripe dark fruits, dried herbs, pepper, subtle hints of vanilla and oak. These characters further develop across the palate, engaging your senses with wild berries, blueberries, white pepper, liquorice, dried herbs, tobacco, vanilla and mocha-coffee. Even though so young in its development, this well structured Syrah has perfectly integrated and supportive oak. The palate has an elegance with a refined complexity, and depth of varietal character, along with expressing a clear sense of place.
• Decanting & serve between 16°- 18°C : 13.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 10-12 years : *Retail - NZ$49.99
Brookfields ‘Highland’ Merlot 2020
Grape Varietal: 100% Merlot
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
The 7th ‘Platinum’ label since 1989. This label is reserved for Merlot dominant wines of true excellence. The grapes were fermented and pumped over in the traditional manner. The time on skins two weeks, with malolactic fermentation being completed prior to going into barrel which were a mix of new and one year old French oak barriques.
• The 2020 ‘Highland’ Merlot is a stunner. The lavish palate showcases blackcurrants, dried spices, tobacco and silky tannins, reflecting the quality grapes and French oak barrels used in the restrained winemaking. Harmonious and in balance, this Merlot will reward both early drinking and will age gracefully.
• Decanting & serve between 16°- 17°C : 13.5% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 8-10 years : *Retail - NZ$44.99
Brookfields ‘Gold Label’ Reserve Cabernet / Merlot 2019
Grape Varietals: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot & 12% Cabernet Franc
Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand
Owner / Winemaker: Peter Robertson
5 Stars ★★★★★
The fruit parcels were tank fermented on skins for about 2 weeks with regular daily pump-overs. After a traditional fermentation the wine was transferred into new French oak barrels for around 15 months, before estate bottling.
• The nose reveals ripe black fruits, mint-chocolate, dried herbs and a note of tobacco. The palate has defined layering, and confidently presents those dark fruits, small blackberries, integrated vanilla oak, dried herbs and cacao. All underpinned with exacting tannins and balanced oak giving structure and refined texture. This wine has genuine heritage, integrity and a beguiling personality which lingers on an enduring finish.
• Decanting & serve between 17°- 18°C : 14% Alc. - Classic Dry Style : Cellar 10-12 years : *Retail - NZ$59.99
*(prices, vintages & availability will vary by outlet & country)
Recent Brookfields Wine Reviews:
