Neudorf

When Tim and Judy Finn planted the first vines at Neudorf in ’78, there were only a handful of other producers in Nelson. Almost 50 years on, they’re still regarded as one of the best wineries in the region – and the country, too. With Tim and Jude now retired, their daughter Rosie looks after sales and marketing, and general manager and winemaker Todd Stevens heads up production, working alongside viticulturist Stef Brockley to craft chardonnay, pinot noir, albariño and aromatics including riesling and pinot gris, from their organic, dry-grown, old-vine vineyard in the Moutere Hills. The site, with its ancient clay gravels and sandy loams, cool, maritime climate and plenty of sunshine, produces exceptional fruit, and Todd’s winemaking approach is simple: “To guide the grapes into wine of integrity, without buggering it up.” The resulting wines are textural, finessed, elegant and pure. -ANNA WEBSTER