Trinity Hill Wines Hawkes Bay New Zealand

We hope you will find it easy to browse and importantly, order your great Trinity Hill wines.
For our overseas readers, there is a list of our wholesale Distributors where you can get information on your nearest Trinity Hill wine stockists.

Check out our opening page frequently as Special Offers will feature there regularly.

With a wide range of wines being released throughout the year, this is where you will hear about them first.
Wine notes feature in a printable format and we have a section for awards and reviews –
to leave you in no doubt that we indeed live up to our title last year of Winemaker of The Year (Winestate magazine), Champion Wine of the 2007 Air New Zealand Wine Awards and many other successes, carrying on our Tradition of Innovation.

The Cellar Door opening hours have changed with Labour Weekend:
10am - 5pm daily till Easter.

Check out our new look Cellar Door with its very smart new Tasting facilities and private Tasting area for groups.
You can be sure of the Warmest Welcome.
Taste the wide range of award-winning wines, enjoy a Cheese Platter with a glass of wine in the beautiful and peaceful gardens, browse the art and merchandise and if you need your purchases couriered home when it suits - we can arrange that too.
Groups and tours by appointment, please. To arrange, phone (06) 879 7778 or email sales@trinityhill.com .

Available from the Cellar Door - Half wine barrels - $45.00 each (includes GST). We have lots to sell!
Please call (06) 879 7778 or email sales@trinityhill.com

News Flash -
The news many have been waiting for: The 2008 HAWKES BAY MONTEPULCIANO is released!
Click here to order.

Hawkes Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards 2008 - Trinity Hill shines again.

Two wines from Trinity Hill scooped Trophies at the Awards Dinner, 21st October.
The 2008 Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc won the Trophy for its class and the Bordeaux-blend "The Gimblett" 2006 won the Best Merlot-dominant Red blend Trophy.
Said John Hancock, CEO of Trinity Hill, of the Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, "This award is just fantastic and another indication that Hawkes Bay is producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc." Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand's most widely planted grape variety and accounts for 80% of wine exports. This award reinforces Trinity Hill's commitment and ability in producing superior Sauvignon Blanc for the world's markets.
Wines entered in the competition (in a record number this year) must contain at least 85% Hawkes Bay fruit, thus allowing their distinctive regional traits to shine.
Also awarded Best in Class were the 2007 High Country Pinot Noir (to be released) and the 2006 Noble Viognier for Best Sweet Wine.
The Noble Viognier is available from the webstore and Winery - look out for the releases soon of The Gimblett 2006 and the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The High Country Pinot Noir will be available only from the Winery on its release.

Make your plans now! See our Events page

Art in the Cellar Door
Noted Hawkes Bay artist Jochen Schmidt has 4 large works on exhibition at Trinity Hill currently. Dynamic in colour and subject matter yet with painstaking attention to detail in the collage media used, they feature the clash of elements - earth, water, lightning, light and shade and intense colour. All works are for sale.

New Zealand International Wine Show 2008

Two wines currently available from the Winery have won Gold Medals, announced early October.
They are the Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006 (another award in a long list for this wonderful wine) and the Hawkes Bay Arneis 2008 - the first Gold for only our second vintage of this uncommon variety in New Zealand. (Only available from the Winery as yet).
Click on the wines to learn more.

Silver Medal winners were the Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2008, Gimblett Gravels HB Syrah 2008 (yet to be released from the Winery) and the Gimblett Gravels Noble Viognier 2007 (available in selected retail outlets).

2007 Hawkes Bay Syrah wins Gold at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in the UK this year.
This has to be a great-value-for-money wine, retailing for under $20 and offering Gimblett Gravels fruit from a great vintage. It's rich and soft with blackberries, spice and peppery notes and works well with a variety of meats, especially lamb, but is just as good as a glass on its own too.
Order yours now!

Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay Stars

The 2006 Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay topped the Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine's 100 Top Releases - New Zealand Whites - scoring a stunning 98/100 and 5 Stars.
The judge, Bob Campbell MW, described it as "Intense and complex in a Burgundian style, with impressive mineral, nut and bran biscuit flavours, plus citrus and stone fruit. Beautifully structured with a lingering finish. Classy, well-priced chardonnay."

And Winestate magazine in its Hawkes Bay Regional Tasting 2008 described the Chardonnay as "Classic regional style with rich stone fruit and toasty oak flavours, substantial body, a slightly oily texture and a rich, creamy finish."

To order your guaranteed enjoyment of this stunning wine, Click here.
(Although drinking beautifully now, it will cellar well for another 4 years at least).

New Zealand More Than "Savalanche". High praise for Trinity Hill wines.

So wrote Neal Martin for the influential eRobertParker.com after an extensive tasting tour (over 1,500 wines tasted!) throughout the country during April 2008.

He concluded: "Trinity Hill is one of Hawkes Bay's outstanding producers and one of the country's finest proponents of Syrah. With two 20-hectare holdings in the Gimblett Gravels, chief winemaker and "bluesman" John Hancock along with Warren Gibson and Michael Bell are fashioning dense, powerful yet supremely well-balanced wines that rank amongst the best wines New Zealand produces and come highly recommended".

The 2006 Homage Syrah was singled out for special mentioned in Mr Martin's overview of New Zealand Syrah which he described as "in many cases, utterly beguiling".

The Trinity Hill wines tasted and rated out of 100

2006 Homage Syrah - 95/100 (Outstanding) - and recommended

**2006 Gimblett Gravels Syrah - 93/100 (Outstanding)

2004 Homage Syrah - 91/100 (Outstanding)

2006 Gimblett Gravels Viognier - 90/100 (Outstanding)

2006 High Country Pinot Noir - 89/100 (Above Average)

2006 Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay - 88/100 (Above Average)

**2006 Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo - 87/100 (Above Average)

* 2007 Gimblett Gravels Viognier - 87/100 (Above Average)

**2006 Montepulciano - 86/100 (Above Average)

*This wine is yet to be released ** Out of stock at the Winery

Read the reviews given by clicking on the wine.

We are delighted with the accolades which confirm that your choice of Trinity Hill wines fits with that of the most discerning critics!

Sweet Success for Trinity Hill at the 2008 Royal Easter Wine Show

The Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Noble Viognier 2007 was awarded the Riedel Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine at the recent wine show.

Chairman of Judges, Bob Campbell MW, said the sweet wine class was of a high calibre. "New Zealand makes some excellent sweet wines and we were fortunate to see a number of them in this class. However, this wine was a clear winner with its tremendous intensity of flavour, seamless texture and wonderful balance." Commenting on Viognier in general, Mr Campbell said, "The variety appears to have an assured future, particularly in Hawkes Bay".

Trinity Hill's Chief Winemaker & CEO John Hancock said, "While we have achieved recognition right across our range, this is the first for one of our sweet wines. We are really excited to win awards like these for both ourselves and for the region."

In just eleven years of operation, the Winery has won more than 830 awards, testament to the tremendous quality of the wines.

Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2007
Champion Wine of the Show: Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2006

John Hancock is all smiles with the impressive Trophy for Champion Wine, his 2006 Homage Syrah, described by chairman of the judging panel, Steve Smith MW, as "an iron fist in a velvet glove."
John has taken a great deal of personal interest in this particular wine, recognising its potential to become a New Zealand icon wine, sort-after and savoured for many years to come.
It certainly speaks volumes of the viticulturists' expertise and the "hands-off" approach by the winemakers to produce this extraordinary wine.
Well done, John, Warren Gibson, winemaker, Michael Bell, viticulturist and your teams.
Read the wine notes

A Big Bottle Mystery.

Recently an email arrived requesting information about a very large wine bottle, labelled with the name of a certain, now-failed finance company (no Trinity Hill details). The writer had seen our Big Bottles - did we know anything about it? A bell rang & the detective trail started.
An ex-employee of Trinity Hill had the Methuselah (6 litres of probably 2000 Gimblett Road Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) labelled as a prize for a company conference. The winner recently put the bottle up for sale on Trade Me. Our correspondent bought it for $20 !!
That works out at around $2.70 per normal 750ml bottle. Great buying!

In a number of ensuing emails which peeled the layers off this story, the writer asked about recommended cellaring time and said he was indeed familiar with the wine.
As it turned out, in 2005 Trinity Hill had sponsored this young man on a 3 month youth exchange, "Ship for World Youth". We offered a number of bottles of the 2000 Cab Sav/Merlot (just 750mls - and labelled!) which were auctioned off on the ship to help victims of the Boxing Day tsunami.

Nice story - what goes around, comes around.
Thank you, Elliot, and enjoy your scoop!!

2008 Midlands Charity Wine Auction
in association with Hawkes Bay Wine growers to benefit Cranford Hospice took place on Sunday, 1st June, with almost $140, 000 raised.

This was a stunning event which is the oldest wine auction in New Zealand. Around 36 very special offerings from Hawkes Bay vintners were under the hammer of Andrew Caillet MW, again, and the superb donated artwork by Martin Popplewell (see below), along with a weekend at a California Wine Festival and other temptations were keenly sought after. The auction took place during a sumptuous 3-course Luncheon matched with fine Hawkes Bay wines (and we can tell you that the bidding becomes more "spirited" and entertaining as the day progresses!) Trinity Hill's donation of two 6 litre bottles of the 2006 Homage Syrah fetched $1900.

One original work is auctioned each year with proceeds going to Cranford Hospice. This year's painting by Martin Poppelwell sold for $21,000. Posters of the work are available from the Winery (contact enquiries@trinityhill.com for orders).
Cost of poster: $25.00.

"study for we all need a lie down" by Martin Poppelwell, 2008
oil on canvas, 1680mm x 1370mm

Hawkes Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards 2007

Trinity Hill demonstrated the ability of its viticulture and winemaking teams to make top quality wines across the board with the announcement of the Hawkes Bay Wine Awards on October 16th, 2007.
Two trophies and three "best in class" awards will assure our customers that you are enjoying The Best!
The trophies :Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels "The Gimblett" 2005 (Merlot predominant blend)
and the Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Monepulciano 2006.
Best in Class awards went to the Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir 2006,
Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2006 and the awe-inspiring Trinity Hill Homage Chardonnay 2002 (Museum class).
Gold Medal: Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo 2006.

Not only, but also.....

At an International Viognier Tasting in Western Australia recently,
Trinity Hill's Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Viognier 2006 was rated equal top wine with a French Condrieux (home of Viognier in France) with 18.6 / 20.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006 star Red Wine of the 2007 Liquorland Top 100.

Not only did it win the Trophy for best Shiraz/Syrah, beating off Australian contenders as well, but it was judged Champion Red Wine in the Show.
The wine is the product of a very good vintage, excellent work in the vineyards and the skill of the winemakers allowing the wine to speak for itself.
The Liquorland Top 100 strives to deliver the most comprehensive range of top quality wines in the New Zealand market.

This is what the press had to say -

New Zealand beats Australia at Shiraz for first time
in wine competition’s history.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006 has become the first New Zealand wine in the 14 year history of the Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition to win Champion Shiraz/Syrah. Until this year the trophy for this class has always been won by Australia, famous for their powerful, intense, deeply-coloured wines.

One of the pioneers of growing Syrah in Hawke’s Bay, chief winemaker and director of Trinity Hill, John Hancock, together with his team work hard at perfecting their range of Syrah wines. His methods include low yields of no more than three tonnes to the acre from company-owned vineyards situated on the unique Gimblett Gravels. Purity of fruit and texture are important as is the preservation of vineyard character in the wines, which comes not only from the unique soils but also the number of clones and vineyard blocks involved.
Viognier also plays a part, with a small percentage added just as in the grape variety’s traditional home of the northern Rhone Valley in France. Adding Viognier gives a luscious, yet elegant character to the wine and enhances both complexity and texture.

In addition to winning the trophy for Champion Shiraz/Syrah in a class of over 130 wines, the judges were so impressed that they also awarded it Champion Red Wine. Introduced just this year, together with Champion White Wine, Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006 beat over 570 wines to take this title.
In response to the success of this wine, John Hancock comments, “This is a great testament to the quality of our vineyards, our viticultural and winemaking teams and heralds an exciting future for Trinity Hill and the Syrah variety. We have always known we have the potential for great Syrah in the Gimblett Gravels and it’s fantastic to see it recognized – particularly as we were up against some of the best from Australia.”

Trinity Hill produces three Syrah-based wines. Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Shiraz, Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah and the rare and exclusive Trinity Hill Homage – made only in exceptional years.

Enotria appointed Exclusive Agent
in UK for Trinity Hill

Enotria has been distributing Trinity Hill Wines in the on-trade for 6 years, previously through the agent Laurent-Perrier. Enotria will work closely with Laurent Perrier and co-founders of Trinity Hill, Robyn and Robert Wilson, to ensure a smooth hand over, and will begin as sole importer from 1^st January 2008.

Alison Levett, Enotria’s Chief Executive commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for Enotria because we already know the wines are very well received in the market. Demand for premium New Zealand wines continues to grow both in the on and off trade and this agreement will enable Enotria and Trinity Hill to work together towards future growth in the UK. We are looking forward to working with John Hancock, Trinity Hill's CEO and Winemaker-in-Chief and the Wilsons, and couldn’t wish for better ambassadors of these superb wines”.

Robyn and Robert Wilson responded: "We believe that Enotria is the perfect partner for Trinity Hill. They have a terrific sales team who are highly respected in the trade for their enthusiasm, their professionalism and their ability to deliver. And given their strong working relationship with Laurent-Perrier, we are sure the handover will be seamless."

Website address for Enotria: http://www.enotria.co.uk/

Via Pacifica Selections, based in Sebastopol, California, has become Trinity Hill's importer and marketer.
The company specialises in fine New Zealand wine and beer. David Duckhorn, President of Via Pacifica Selections, released the news from the US:

VIA PACIFICA SELECTIONS ADDS TRINITY HILL TO PORTFOLIO

New Zealand wine exclusively available from U.S. importer

Sebastopol, CA – August 22, 2007 -- Via Pacifica Selections, a Sebastopol-based importer and marketer specializing in premium wines from New Zealand, today announces the addition of wine producer Trinity Hill to the Via Pacifica portfolio.

Trinity Hill, a well-established Hawkes Bay winery and a founding member of the Gimblett Gravels Appellation, produces limited amounts of award-winning wine from one of New Zealand’s most highly-regarded regions.
The unique maritime climate of Hawkes Bay, with its range of microclimates and soil types, allows Trinity Hill to produce a variety of grapes for fine wines, although it is perhaps best known for its Syrahs and Bordeaux-style reds.
Under the guidance of partner and winemaker John Hancock, Trinity Hill produces three labels: Homage, Gimblett Gravels and Hawkes Bay—selections of which are now available exclusively in the U.S. from Via Pacifica Selections.

Via Pacifica will import the following Trinity Hill wines: Homage Syrah ($75), Gimblett Gravels Syrah ($30), Hawkes Bay Syrah ($20), Gimblett Gravels Cabernet/Merlot ($30), Hawkes Bay Trinity Bordeaux-style Blend ($20), and Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($16). The wines are available nationally in fine restaurants and wine shops.

“Trinity Hill’s emphasis on quality over quantity is something you can taste in every bottle of wine they produce,” said David Duckhorn, President of Via Pacifica Selections. “The U.S. market is developing a strong palate for the distinctive flavor of New Zealand wines and recognizing the regional differences within the country. With the addition of Trinity Hill to the Via Pacifica portfolio, we continue to bring the best of New Zealand’s wines to the American table.”

Contact David Duckhorn at Via Pacifica Selections
707/823-3320
dd@viapacifica.com

Our Distributors in Singapore, The Cellar Door, have re-invented their website.
Check it out: www.thecellardoor.com.sg
They list a great selection of Trinity Hill wines, as well as other New Zealand wines
and a wonderful selection of deli goods and cheeses.
No wonder the ex-pats love that place!

Find us in Tesco.

Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc and Gimblett Road Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot are to be found on the shelves of Tesco's UK branches stocking the "Fine Wine" range, from the end of August 2007. The company has opened its doors to an increased volume of New Zealand wines and has chosen top-end quality and regional difference to offer the discerning British consumer. And with sensible pricing, we know those customers will be better off for some excellent Trinity Hill wine.

This wine was chosen to be served at the Awards Dinner for the World's Best 50 Restaurants, held 23 April 2007 at London's Science Museum (of all places). The awards are sponsored by British "Restaurant" magazine and ensure a golden year for those named as winners.
The 2007 winner was Spanish restaurant, El Bulli and the chef / proprietor Ferran Adria.
Also honoured as the recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Achievement award for her crusade for sustainable food was Alice Waters from Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California.
To quote the report: "Waters ... reiterated how important, and yet how rare, it was for so many chefs to meet together and to speak as one vioce for slow food. 'We should do this more often!' Waters concluded, raising her glass of Trinity Hill Pinot Noir."
- The Financial Times, London, 27 April, 2007.

We admire their taste. To order your High Country Pinot Noir, click here.

At the Hawke's Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards 2006, announced on 17th October 2006, Trinity Hill's stars shone. Not only was the 2004 Gimblett Gravels Homage Syrah awarded Champion Wine of the Show after winning a Gold Medal & Trophy in the Syrah class but winemaker, Warren Gibson, was named Winemaker of The Year.

The 2005 Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo won Gold & the Trophy for Premium Red Varieties and four other Gold Medals were awarded to Trinity Hill wines: the Gimblett Gravels Montepulciano 2005, the Gimblett Gravels Viognier 2006, the Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2004 and the Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2003.Five Silver Medals were also won: the Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2004, the Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2002, the Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2005, the Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2005 and the Gimblett Gravels Viognier 2006.This is a great testimony to both the viticultural and winemaking teams.

Over 350 wines from 50 wineries were entered in these, the only true provincial wineawards in New Zealand. (85% of the wine in each bottle much come from Hawke's Bay). As MC, John Hawkesby and Chief Judge Steve Smith MW pointed out, there is no tougher competition than from your peers and neighbours.

Warren's prize includes a stunning, one-off sculptural creation from Hawke's Bay designer, David Trubridge. Well done, Warren and Team - well deserved.