Tasting Notes

Paulownia Estate was established in 1998 as a contract growing vineyard and 2009 is the first Vintage that we have produced a range of wines for our own label. Situated near Masterton in the upper reaches of the Wairarapa Valley we tend to be a little cooler than our southern neighbours, so bud-burst in spring is often a few days later and harvest can be two – three weeks later than in Martinborough. This additional time on the vine helps to ensure that our fruit develops strong varietal characteristics that are carried through to distinctive wines. The development of our vineyard over the past eleven years has been a true labour of love and it is now our pleasure to share with you the fruits of that labour – Christine and Vaughan Paul.

Paulownia Estate 2009 Pinot Noir

Paulownia Estate 2009 Pinot Noir is an intense coloured, full-bodied wine with distinctive berry fruit and black cherry flavours that linger. It has a soft oak nose and soft tannins that will complement almost any full flavoured meal. Drink now or cellar with full confidence.

Michael Cooper’s comment on this wine
(Listener 12 June 2010): **** Looking good for next year, this is a savoury red, fragrant, with ripe sweet fruit flavours, a hint of herbs and excellent concentration and complexity.

Paulownia Estate 2009 Pinot Gris

Paulownia Estate 2009 Pinot Gris is a crafted wine in a slightly off-dry style. It’s ripe, juicy, pear and stone fruit characters are complemented by a very rich mouth feel and lingering finish. Medium term cellaring potential

Paulownia Estate 2009 Rose

Paulownia Estate 2009 Rose is a blend of hand picked Pinot Noir and Merlot fruit. This is a summer wine that greets you with strawberries, both on the nose and in it’s long lingering finish. This Rose is ideal as an aperitif, as an accompaniment to a lazy summer lunch or light dinner meal, or simply as a salute to summer at any time.

Paulownia Estate 2009 Noble Sauvignon Blanc

Paulownia Estate 2009 Noble Sauvignon Blanc is a tempting and totally WICKED dessert wine. The wine is pale gold in colour with tropical fruit aromas and a lingering dried apricot taste. With 180g/l residual sugar, this wine is well balanced and a perfect accompaniment to a range of cheeses or truly decadent desserts. Purchasing this wine is not compulsory, but tasting it is a MUST!