URLAR's move into traditional-method sparkling wine draws on fruit sourced from Hawke's Bay and URLAR's own certified organic, vegan-friendly vineyard in Gladstone, Wairarapa. A blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir, this is a genuine methode traditionnelle - the same technique used in Champagne - aged for 12 months on its lees before a secondary fermentation in bottle, then left to develop for a further 18 months. Only 2,700 bottles were made by our small winemaking team, with a low dosage keeping the wine bone dry and built for the long haul.

Aroma

White peach, quince skin and lemon zest, with a toasty, biscuity lift from its time on lees.

Tastes

Full-textured and savoury, with a fine, persistent bubble carrying through to a long, crisp finish. This is a luxury New Zealand sparkling wine built to last - cellar it for 10+ years for even greater complexity, or pop it open now for a long lunch with friends, fresh oysters, or simply as a toast to good company.

Accolades

• Sam Kim, Wine Orbit - 95 points, 5 Stars

• The New Zealand International Wine Show 2024 - Bronze