W i n e s

Our estate-grown certified-organic wines capture the nuance of our exceptional vineyard, and exhibit the balance, complexity, and elegance indicative of this unique terroir. 

We achieve this by allowing our wines to express themselves. We don’t try to restrict their expression to a “house style” or recipe. We try to let our wines evolve to be what they must be, given their terroir, the weather and all the conditions in which the grapes grow and ripen.

Our role is to be responsive and adaptive to the conditions of each vintage. Our intuition is honed with each passing harvest.

In this way each wine will be unique, more than the sum of its parts.

Enjoy the vast variety of flavours and experiences our wines bring you and your loved ones.

P i n o t N o i r

A selection of the 7 Pinot Noir clones planted on the vineyard that brings out the unique flavours of our vineyard. The wines are hand-crafted with minimal intervention to express the character and complexity of our vineyard. Matured in older oak and bottled without additions including fining agents, filtration or preservatives. The flavour profile will change subtly from season to season to reflect weather patterns and the ratio of the various clones.

Taste the terroir in our Pinot Noir
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2018 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Bright, crimson with a light bricking, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegant, with developed nuances and penetrating aromas of dried roses, black cherry, sun-dried plum, cinnamon, nutmeg, game, mushroom and a suggestion of Port. Medium-bodied, aromas of black cherry, dried plum interweaved with dried strawberry and raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, unfolding mushroom, game and Port nuance. A firm yet smooth tannin structure and zappy acidity carrying spice and a fresh finish. Match with pork and lamb ribs over the next 3-4 years. Fermented to 12.8% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18/20 pts (90 pts) Nov 2023 RRP $45

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2017 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Somellier

Aromatic and complex with a lifted savoury and dried herb bouquet, layers of fresh and dried cherry fruits, organic soils and wildflower scents. Dry and textured on the palate, a distinctive expression with flavours that reflect the bouquet along with a tea and dried spices quality. There’s plenty of texture and salty palate engaging qualities. Definitely a food wine with a sense of place and natural qualities. Best drinking from the day of purchase and through 2024. 92 Points. Premium

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2017 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Unfined, unfiltered and crafted without the use of added anything, this organic pinot noir is ultra-fresh, with a hint of herbaceousness, rhubarb leaf, wild cherry, strawberry and redcurrant. It’s a youthful style, ultra-floral, laced with forest floor notes and showing bracing acidity which ensures solid cellaring potential.

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Faintly hazy (unfiltered), even, medium crimson. It has a soft, lifted bouquet with aromas of raspberry, goji berry, strawberry, medicinal herbs, baking spice and a hint of earth. Medium-light bodied, aromas of raspberry, goji berry and strawberry have a taut core, thyme, bay leaf and a suggestion of ginseng intermixed with baking spice and an earthy/ ashy nuance. A zippy acid thread, delicate spice, and a focused closing accompanied by dusty, tightly bound tannins. This Pinot Noir possesses vibrancy, red fruit and spice, in line with tightly bounded tannins reflecting the cool vintage. Match with duck and pork over the next 6+ years. Fermented to 12.2% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts) Nov 2023 RRP $45

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2017 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Slightly hazy, ruby-red with a garnet hue, lighter on the rim. This has an aromatic, fragrant bouquet with aromas of medicinal herb interweave floral, underlying black cherry and minerals. Medium-bodied, cherry and raspberry have a vibrant core, intermixed wildflowers, chalky minerals and medicinal herbs. Black tea tannins and herb elements carry by a floral, taut acid line through to a fresh finish with spice lingering. This Pinot Noir shows some herbs and minerals quality on a textural, lively palate. Fermented to 13.4% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18/20 pts (90 pts) Sep 2022

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2016 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommelier

Developed, savoury and complex. Aromas and flavours of dried cherry and strawberry fruits, a fine dried herb quality, cinnamon sticks and sweetness of mild toasty barrel. There’re plenty of fine wood tannins with moderate acidity and length. A balanced and well made that is ready to drink from the day of purchase through 2024. 90 Points. Premium

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2016 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Grown in the deep, limestone soils of North Canterbury, under the watchful eye of winemaker Di Holding, the pinot noir grapes thrive in such a mineral-rich environment and create a wine with fresh, vital energy which seems to be getting stronger despite its 6yr maturation. Crafted without fining, filtration or with any added sulphites, this pinot noir has a suede-like, leather and smoked tamarillo texture, dusty cocoa and earthy layers on the finish. Aging nicely.

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2018 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Bright, crimson with a light bricking, lighter on the rim. The nose is elegant, with developed nuances and penetrating aromas of dried roses, black cherry, sun-dried plum, cinnamon, nutmeg, game, mushroom and a suggestion of Port. Medium-bodied, aromas of black cherry, dried plum interweaved with dried strawberry and raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, unfolding mushroom, game and Port nuance. A firm yet smooth tannin structure and zappy acidity carrying spice and a fresh finish. Match with pork and lamb ribs over the next 3-4 years. Fermented to 12.8% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18/20 pts (90 pts) Nov 2023 RRP $45

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Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir 2019

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Bright and floral with hints of red apple and dark cherry on the nose, this is an ultra-fresh North Canterbury pinot grown organically in deep, limestone soils. A cooler vintage has given it a core of smoky oak and dried herb complexity accentuated by tightly coiled tannins rather than fruit dominance on the palate. Unfined and unfiltered it finishes dry and long. There’s also a nutty, creamy character which comes full circle and adds to its character.

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2018 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommellier

A fascinating bouquet of red berry fruits, integration, mineral and earth qualities, baking spices, fallen autumn leaves and old rose petals. A sense of place is at the core of the bouquet and style. Firm, dry, savoury and developing wine touches the palate first. Flavours of red berries, plum and autumnal flavours, dried herb and firmish tannins, medium+ acid line and baking spices. A wine best suited to food with some development time still ahead, or drink day of purchase through 2028. 92 Points. Premium

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2016 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Deep garnet with a black hue, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is softly full, savoury, earthy and fragrant. Aromas of lavender and thyme interweave dried cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and ashy earth details. Medium-bodied. Dried cherry and cranberry aromas entwined with lavender, liquorice and ginseng, along with thyme and cinnamon bark, linger to a savoury, ashy, earthy finish. The mouthfeel is soft with supple tannin, leaving a dusty palate. Balanced, integrated acidity supports and lends a moderately long finish. Match with lamb stew over the next 2 years. Fermented to 13.5% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18+/20 pts (91 pts) Sep 2022

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommellier

Aromas and flavours of preserved red berries, cherry and red apple, the signature of place and style matches previous vintage with a developing mineral earthy quality, lifted aromatics and autumnal scents. Firm and dry with firm tannins and plenty of acidity/ Flavours of red berries and preserve, baking spices and leather. Tannins have a natural firmness layering in texture and distinctiveness to the palate, acidity adds texture and carries the flavours presented in the bouquet. Well made, still developing as well as offering early drinking from day of purchase through 2029. I suggest to select a favourite cheese with slightly salty crackers as a great match for this wine. 93 Points Excellent

R o s é

Made from the fruitiest Pinot Noir clones planted on the vineyard. Juice is bled from the main Pinot Noir ferment after just 8 hours of skin contact. The wines are hand-crafted with minimal intervention to express the character and complexity of our vineyard. Fermented dry including 100% Malolactic fermentation. Matured 11 months in older oak and bottled without additions including fining agents, filtration or preservatives. This is not a light frivolous style of Rosé. Definitely a food friendly style.

Taste the terroir in our Rose
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2020 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Winemaker Di Holding is an absolute pinot noir obsessive, and from her tiny site, high up on the slopes of North Canterbury’s Omihi Road, she produces minuscule amounts of organic pinot done every which way. Her new organic rosé is made without fining or filtration (hence its cloudy character) and is scented with cherry, hints of rhubarb and soft smoky notes, while the acidity is fresh and vibrant and the finish long and textural.

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Lightly hazy, pale salmon with onion skin hues, even colour throughout. The nose is softly full, with savoury, creamy and cider elements. Aromas of stonefruit, mandarin, interweave apple cider, herb and nutty elements. Medium-bodied, apricot, mandarin and kumquat form a taut core, unfolding apple cider, thyme and oxidative, nutty finish. The wine has developed a savoury edge, supported by a taut acid backbone. Subtle tannin extraction left a silky mouthfeel. This low-intervention winemaking Pinot Noir Rosé shows stonefruit and citrus on a fine-textured palate with taut acid support. Match with peanut butter chicken and fish satay over the next 2 years. Fermented to 13% alc, no added sulphite, unfined and unfiltered. BioGro organic certified. 17.5+/20 (89 pts) Sep 2022

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2020 Fancrest Pinot Noir Rosé

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommelier

A striking and captivating bouquet with scents of fruit spice and mineral, apricot and saffron, peach stone and fine silty earth quality. A satin texture touches the palate first with a very fine needlepoint chalky mouthfeel then flavours that reflect the bouquet begin to emerge. A decent acid line with a light saline quality salivates and refreshes the palate. Best drinking from day of purchase and through end of summer 2024. 93 Points. Excellent

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommelier

Aromas of roses and red apple, peach and moments of apricot stone and preserved citrus peel. Flavours of red cherry and plum then a clay mineral quality, some textured mouthfeel with fine tannins and backbone of acidity. The wine comes together nicely on the palate from the third and fourth tastes. A wine best served with food - perhaps a light savoury dish such as paella. Best drinking from 2022 through the end of summer 2024. 90 Points. Premium

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Ros

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Produced organically, from a tiny, hillside site on Omihi Road, this rosé is a touch cloudy in the bottle because this wild yeast-fermented wine has been produced without the use of any fining agents or filtration. So don’t fret about the sediment, it’s harmless and can easily be decanted out. And don’t fret if you’re vegan, no animal products have been used in the wine either. Rose-gold, and scented with dried cherry, roast walnuts and apple, this wine is bone dry, boasts bright acidity and has funky, fabulously feral charm. Enjoy with super-crumbly, salty aged cheddar.

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2020 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Lightly hazy, pale salmon with depth, onion skin hues, even colour throughout. The nose is vibrant and attractive with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and minerals. Medium-light bodied, aromas of apricot, strawberry and kumquat melded with funky, nutty elements and savoury, earthy minerals. The mouthfeel is silky and fine-textured. Vibrant acidity provides drive and carries to a vibrant, crisp finish. This natural Pinot Noir Rosé features a vibrant acid line carries kumquat, strawberry and stonefruit with subtle nutty and earthy minerals on a fine-textured mouthfeel. Match with baked camembert and pan-fried flatfish over the next 2 years. Fermented naturally without additions, unfined, unfiltered. BioGro organic certified. 18-/20 pts (90 pts) Sep 2022

R e s e r v e

A carefully curated winemaker’s selection drawn from the 7 Pinot Noir clones planted on the vineyard that brings out the unique flavours of our vineyard. The wines are hand-crafted with minimal intervention to express the character and complexity of our vineyard. Matured in older oak and bottled without additions including fining agents, filtration or preservatives. The flavour profile will change subtly from season to season to reflect weather patterns and the ratio of the various clones.

Taste the terroir in our Reserve Pinot Noir
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Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Reserve 2019

Yvonne Lorkin , Wine Creative

Bright and floral with hints of red apple and dark cherry on the nose, this is an ultra-fresh North Canterbury pinot grown organically in deep, limestone soils. A cooler vintage has given it a core of smoky oak and dried herb complexity accentuated by tightly coiled tannins rather than fruit dominance on the palate. Unfined and unfiltered it finishes dry and long. There’s also a nutty, creamy character which comes full circle and adds to its character.

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Reserve

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Lightly hazy (unfiltered), medium crimson, even colour throughout. The nose is enticing, with raspberry, red cherry, young plum, rosehip, and sweet spice overlying mushroom, herb, earth and mealy nuances. Medium-bodied, aromas of red fruit melded with rosehip, forming a taut core, unveiling vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, mushroom, earthy/ ashy elements and a hint of game. The wine shows concentration and tautness with tightly bounded tannins throughout the palate, drawing a long line and elegantly expressed, reflecting its origin, the limestone slope it grew on. The refined layers carry a lengthy, chalky finish. Match with smoked duck breast and mushroom risotto over the next 8 years. Fermented to 12.4% alc, unfined and unfiltered, zero added sulphites. Vegan friendly. BroGro organic certified. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Nov 2023 RRP $65

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2015 Fancrest Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Candice Chow , Wine Writer

Deep ruby-black with a garnet shade, hazy, lighter on the rim. The nose is gentle and persistent, with herbaceous aromas of thyme, sweet basil, interweave black cherries, and blackberries overlaid with black pepper, ash and subtle spices. Medium-full bodied, aromas of black cherries, melded with red plums and blueberries, black pepper, thyme, sweet basil unfolds with ash, charcoal and baking spice mix. The wine has good energy and flow; lacy acidity interweaves powdery tannin thread and persists to a lengthy, pure fruit expression. This is a complex and supple individual, full of pure expressions and wonders. Highly recommend decanting and open minds. Match with braised pork belly and lamb stew over the next 5 years. Fermented to 14.4% alc. Only 10ppm sulphite added at bottling, unfined and unfiltered. BioGro organic certified. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) June 2021

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2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Reserve

Cameron Douglas MS , Master Sommellier

Youthful, fragrant and charming bouquet with a floral, mineral and varietal core of dark red berries and plum, baking spices and a complexity from its mineral qualities, dried herb and gentle autumnal scents. Delicious on the palate with core flavours mirroring the bouquet, some polished, firmish tannins, plenty of acidity and and baking spice earth smoke qualities. A lovely example of Pinot Noir in a natural state with developing complexities, a great structure and lengthy finish. A food wine with best drinking from day of purchase through 2029+. 93 Points. Excellent

2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir
Estate Pinot Noir

Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir

Made from certified organic grapes grown right here at Fancrest Estate (Biogro #5124). The flavour will change slightly every year based on the weather and which clones are dominant in the mix after flowering. The wine is made naturally without fining, filtration or preservatives. Certified organic. Suitable for vegans.

2019 Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Reserve
Reserve Pinot Noir

Fancrest Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Made only in exceptional vintages, our Reserve is made from barrels selected by Artisan Winegrower, Diane Holding for a special cuvée. Certified organic wine (Biogro #5124) made with no fining, filtration or additives. Suitable for vegans.

Rosé Pinot Noir

Fancrest Estate Pinot Noir Rosé

Made in years where the clones with a reputation for generous fruity wines have produced well. Drawn off from the main cuveé after around 8 hours skin contact, then fermented until almost dry before completing fermentation in barrel. Bottled just before the next harvest. Certified organic. Suitable for vegans.

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V i n t a g e R e p o r t s

In this blog section we’ll try to describe past vintages and how we handled them. 

 

2022

Vintage Report 2022 Good winter and early spring rains gave our vines a great start to the growing season. Budburst

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2021

Vintage Report 2021 Winter-spring rains meant we started the season with good soil moisture. Once again we escaped the late

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