Our Wine Label - Kemp Road

One of the most exciting aspects of our work is getting to know the people behind the fine wines we represent, together with those others whom we respect, regardless.

Over time, we have forged a handful of relationships which have allowed us to work with fine wine growers prepared to bottle something appropriate on our behalf.

Kemp Rd, our own label, was named after the road where we lived for a long time in Gisborne (which was named after the family because we’d lived there for so long!) and any wine that we bottle under Kemp Rd is given the same rigorous appraisal as those fine wines we represent on behalf of vineyard owners.

In 2002 – an outstanding vintage for Hawke’s Bay, we worked with the Helliwells, with low cropped vines on the Unison Vineyard, to create a blend of Cabernet, Merlot & Syrah. This was aged in French oak for 30 months and we find ourselves with a magnificent, aged, elegant and complex wine, with a fully rounded palate and long silky tannins on the finish. It continues to blossom every year that goes by.

And this year, we have introduced a Marlborough Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Our 2007 Pinot Noir comes from three vineyards in the Fairhall Valley. This was hand harvested, fermented with natural ‘wild yeasts’ and gently pressed and aged in barrel for 16 months with a small proportion of new oak. It shows layers of ripe, dense fruit, with a delicate floral fragrance and slight earthy terroir notes. It is concentrated, supple and savoury, with fine tannins and a rewarding round finish. 

Our 2008 Chardonnay from the same valley was treated in a similar fashion, but a portion was aged in tank to purposefully retain crisp, clean fruit. As such there is lovely fruit purity on the nose, followed by a rich textural palate, giving this wine immediate appeal, while still retaining elegance and strength.

To order any of these wines please click on the links below:

Kemp Road Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah 2002
Kemp Road Pinot Noir 2007
Kemp Road Chardonnay 2008