This year has seen us join forces with a new grower in New Zealand, the Tutton family at Waipara West, to the north of Canterbury in the South Island. Running along the Waipara River, on north-facing stony terraces, the vineyards benefit from warm winds from the north-west and the gorgeous extended summers and autumns allow the fruit all-important hang-time to develop deep flavours and balance without any of the excessive green herbaceous flavours which can characterise New Zealand’s whites. All three of their wines are an exercise in restraint and elegance, from racy Sauvignon Blanc to juicy, vibrant Chardonnay and intense, stylish Pinot Noir.