Nebbiolo 2016

In a region celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, Hans Herzog Estate has shattered expectations with a monumental 98-point score from James Suckling for its Nebbiolo. This exquisite wine, handcrafted with precision and passion, represents a groundbreaking achievement not only for our estate but for Marlborough as a whole, highlighting the untapped potential of our unique terroir. With only a small allocation available, this rare gem is destined for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Nebbiolo, the noble grape of Piedmont, Italy, is renowned for its demanding nature, requiring meticulous care and optimal terroir to thrive. Hans Herzog’s journey with Nebbiolo began in 1997, driven by a passion for cultivating rare varietals. Despite early challenges, including vines that refused to fruit, Hans persevered, employing traditional mass selection methods to graft promising budwood onto underperforming vines. It took nearly two decades of dedication before the first barrique was crafted in 2005, paving the way for today’s 98-point vintage which stands on par with the the finest Barolo's or Barbaresco’s. Revered as the elixir of dreams, Nebbiolo embodies the essence of a truly exceptional wine. Exuding a captivating balance and poise, it dazzles with heady aromas of violet, rose, ripe red berries, and a captivating array of spices. On the palate, relish the sensation of polished tannins enveloping succulent red cherry, raspberry compote, hints of liquorice, and wild herbs. 

Hailing from the famous Piedmont region of Northern Italy, Nebbiolo is a grape of unparalleled pedigree. It's finicky, selective about terroir, and notorious for irregular fruiting, budding first and ripening last. Since 97, our quest for excellence led us to meticulously select budwood from the healthiest and strongest Nebbiolo vines with good fruit maturity to graft them onto old vines from another variety. Nurtured in warm, sandy, and gravelly soils, infused with fine silt and clay, our Nebbiolo emerges as a true rival to the esteemed Barbaresco and Barolo. In 2016, warm, dry weather gifted us a luxuriously long ripening season. No expense was spared in crafting this regal wine, handpicked from vines yielding a mere 400g per vine.

Following an extended cold soak to extract beneficial compounds from skin and seeds, a natural fermentation unfolded over a few weeks. Subsequent maceration post-fermentation gently coaxed out soft, sweet tannins, enhancing the wine's complexity. The wine matured for 36 month in seasoned French Barriques, softening and harmonizing tannins and acidity. With an additional four years of bottle aging in our barrel hall, this wine attains a quality akin to a 'Riserva,' boasting a total of seven years of aging. No fining. No filtration.

This Nebbiolo is unrivalled, reminiscent of Piemonte with notes of wild herbs, red Morello cherries, prunes, anise, liquorice, and coffee. Silky, almost spicy tannins, sweet extracts, and a lively vibrant acidity combine for a velvety, seductive mouthfeel. A regal, pure, elegant, perfectly balanced wine destined for beautiful aging. Tasted: first on September 29th and then again on October 1st, 2023. Remarkably, this wine retained its exceptional taste and quality even when enjoyed two days after opening

That will beautifully complement your festive roast, or here in the Southern Hemisphere summer, we'll be firing up the grill for a succulent New Zealand lamb rump or a juicy ribeye steak. Therese couldn't stop raving about her pan-seared Canterbury duck breast, paired with gnocchi in a spicy tomato/herb sauce and fresh seasonal vegetables. She swore it was a truly heavenly combination. For a more laid-back dining experience, a delightful pasta dish pairs perfectly with the enchanting notes of our Nebbiolo, ensuring that every meal becomes an extraordinary and memorable experience.

 "The Swiss couple make wonderful handmade reds and whites from an array of grapes, from Viognier to Nebbiolo. In fact, the barrel of Nebbiolo they make is like something from the best of Barolo. Unfortunately, they are tiny production."

James Suckling, October 2022 (Suckling is internationally regarded as one of the world's most influential wine critics.)