| Region of production: | Central Otago GI |
| Winery Location: | Wanaka, Otago |
| Year Established: | 1982 |
Vineyard Holdings
15 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Mature Vine Riesling (Central Otago GI): Inaugural vintage 1989.
- Gewürztraminer (Central Otago GI): Inaugural vintage 1990.
- Mature Vine Pinot Noir (Central Otago GI): Inaugural vintage 1989.
- Emma’s Block Mature Vine Pinot Noir (Central Otago GI): Inaugural vintage 2008.
- Tinker’s Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir (Central Otago GI): From Rippon’s oldest vines. Inaugural vintage 2008.
Average Total Production
- N/A
Summary
Among the first vintners in Central Otago, Lois and Rolfe Mills planted an experimental vineyard in 1975, followed by a commercial vineyard in 1982. Their first wine release followed in 1989. Through the their early efforts, Pinot Noir revealed itself as the grape variety with the highest potential in Central Otago, over grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, which they had also vinified. Lois and Rolfe’s son Nick succeeded them as winemaker in 2003. Located in the more isolated Wanaka subzone, Rippon’s vineyards are now both dry-farmed and biodynamic. The winery takes its name from Rolfe Mills’ lineage; his family, the Rippons, reached Central Otago in 1912. They purchased Wanaka station and built a homestead at Rippon Lea.
Style & Vinification Techniques
The vineyard is certified biodynamic and farmed almost entirely without irrigation. The majority of Rippon’s vineyard is ungrafted. The Jeunesse series is vinified with completely destemmed fruit from the youngest vines. Top wines are bottled without fining or filtration.
Producer Website: Rippon