The harvest from these parcels is always carried out later because of the dominant varieties, Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon. Careful vinification gives this wine depth, elegance and length in the mouth. The floral bouquet of the Cabernet variety is predominant in the wines youth but develops later towards the more complex aromas of a Grand Vin de Bordeaux. Beautiful deep colour with purple tints. Focused and fruity nose with faint toast in the background. The same fairly elegant aromatic combination flows through to the palate. A very accessible, supple, crisp Bordeaux.

Found in 1897, Church Road combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern thinking and innovation to craft premium, complex wines. This creamy textured Hawke's Bay Chardonnay is unashamedly just a little bit old school. Ripe peach, tropical fruit and fragrant citrus notes are enhanced by toasty oak, wild fermentation, full malolactic and regular yeast lees string. This approach delivers layers of flavour reminiscent of toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut and sizzle butter.

A fuller bodied Chardonnay balanced by gentle, fresh acidity and a spine of slate-like minerality. Fresh zesty citrus and citrus blossom notes are to the fore with riper, richer stonefruit underlying and providing extra depth. The fruit is overlaid with complexities of roasted nuts, toasted brioche, and a hint of struck flint and gun smoke. Already drinking exceptionally well, with age the wine will develop more complex, savoury nuttiness and will gain breadth and richness on the palate.

Named in honour of Gwen, the Wife of Tom McDonald, father of Church Road. Gwen explores a more elegant and refined style of winemaking. Gwen Chardonnay is a dry, elegant and refreshing Chardonnay with exceptional length and finesse. On the nose, the wine is reminiscent of citrus and ripe apple with citrus blossom and acacia floral notes. Subtle mineral complexity provides depth and interest, while there is a gentle creamy richness adding a more textural element to the palate.

Named in honour of Gwen, the Wife of Tom McDonald, father of Church Road. Gwen explores a more elegant and refined style of winemaking. Gwen Pinot Gris is a dry, fresh and mineral driven wine with exceptional length and finesse on the palate. On the nose, the wine is reminiscent of ripe autumn orchard fruit, lifted by notes of honeysuckle with a savoury complexity and subtle minerality providing depth and interest. Match with a range of fresh salads, seafood, poultry and cold cuts.

Named in honour of Gwen, the Wife of Tom McDonald, father of Church Road. Gwen explores a more elegant and refined style of winemaking. Gwen Rosé is an off dry and finely textured Syrah rosé with subtle red fruit, floral notes, spice, and an underlying creaminess. On the palate, gentle acidity and a slatey minerality make this a sophisticated drink that will work well as an aperitif or as a versatile food wine. A great match with a range of fresh salads, seafood, poultry, and cold cuts.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. The finest free run juice was barrel fermented in predominantly older French oak to produce this finely textured, elegant Chardonnay. Vibrant citrus and stonefruit flavours are overlaid with subtle creamy oak and complexities of toasted hazelnut and brioche.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. Grown on gravel soils in Hawke's Bays' warmest sub regions, these vineyards typically produce rich Merlot displaying dense, brooding plum and dark berry fruit. This is complimented by subtle notes of violet, spice, earthy undertones and hints of dark chocolate. The palate is rich, weighty and long, driven by a firm yet fine-grained tannin structure. For quality reasons this wine is unfiltered and decanting is recommended.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. Grown in Church Road's Matapiro Vineyard on the Crownthorpe Terraces, this is a full bodied, powerful style of Pinot Gris with a medium level of sweetness. Wonderfully aromatic with poached pear, stone fruit, rose and ginger, complimented by subtle complexity from wild fermentation and lees aging.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. Hand harvested and gently whole bunch pressed to craft a finely textured, complex and age-worthy style of Sauvignon Blanc. Vibrant flavours of quince, nectarine, pink grapefruit and elderflower are complimented by a flinty minerality, notes of roasted cashew nut and a subtle creaminess derived from wild fermentation and lees aging in French oak.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. An aromatic, textural Syrah with a core of rich berry fruit and dark plum, complimented by lifted floral notes, warm spice, liquorice and subtle oak. The palate is medium-weight and supple with a long finish. For quality reasons, this wine is unfined and unfiltered. Decanting is recommended.

Found in 1897, Church Road combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern thinking and innovation to craft premium, complex wines. Grown on the gravel soils of Hawke's Bay's warmest sub-regions, this is a supple fragrant Merlot dominant blend. A core of rich plum and berry fruit is enhanced by lifted floral nots, hints of thyme and subtle earthy undertones. Oak maturation has delivered increased depth and complex of cedar, spice and cacao.