All wines are 100 percent estate grown. To distinguish the characteristics and various qualities in our wines, we have reserved the label Kaipara Estate, for a small selection of our top wines and introduced a second label Monk Road for our other wines. Two premium red wines are being produced; a Rhone inspired Syrah, and a Bordeaux inspired blend which will debut from the 2004 vintage. The Syrah contains small proportions of grenache and viognier, and the Bordeaux blend the five classical varieties from the Medoc, with a small component of other varietals which are being evaluated for their contribution to the wine's structure, balance and bouquet. A very small quantity of a barrel-fermented blended white wine Nine Lakes is produced. The name refers to the clear, freshwater lakes throughout the peninsula, that provide an oasis in the hot dry summer months. Monk Road releases will tend toward an approachable style in their youth. Kaipara Estate Nine Lakes Chardonnay/Pinot Gris 07$18.95 bottle/case $210.00 (Chardonnay 86%, Pinot Gris 7%, Arneis 4%, Viognier 3%, Semillon 1%). This stylish 2007 vintage was hand-picked, tank fermented and made entirely with estate-grown fruit. It has a fragrant, complex bouquet with fresh, intense, peachy flavours. A great wine for drinking now or onwards. 13.0% alc w/v. Kaipara Estate Syrah 2009$18.95 bottle/case $210.00 (40% Syrah, 20% Malbec, and 20% Cabernet Franc, with smaller proportions of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and tannat). Picked in two parcels on 13/4/09 and 27/04/09. A lifted bouquet of dark fruits and cracked pepper with some lingering chocolate and leather. On the palate there is abundant vibrant dark plum with bright cherry notes, with earthy tones and soft tannins on the finish. 13.5% alc w/v. Monk Road Merlot/Cabernets/Malbec 2004SOLD OUT (Cabernet Sauvignon 37%, Merlot 36%, Malbec 14%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Carmenere 3%, Tannat 1%). A vibrant medium-bodied wine with rich plum and raspberry flavours. 13% alc w/v. Monk Road Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2004SOLD OUT (Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 21%, Malbec 8%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Pinot Noir 9%, Tannat 1%). A fragrant wine with brambly, spicy flavours showing good complexity. Great summer drinking. 13% alc w/v.