Riverby Estate, is a boutique sized single vineyard specializing in the production of premium Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling and Pinot Noir, ideally positioned in the very heart of Marlborough, New Zealand. The property has been owned by the Matthews family for over 100 years and is situated at Jacksons Road, Marlborough. The first vines were planted in 1989 by Simon and Debra Matthews the grapes of which were sold to other wineries.
In 1999, in partnership with Brian and Kay Pickering, Riverby Estate produced its first wine, a Sauvignon Blanc. In 2000 a Riesling was introduced, in 2001 a Pinot Noir and in 2004 a Chardonnay completed the portfolio. The vineyard now has plantings predominantly of Sauvignon Blanc, but Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Noir are also grown.
Riverby Estate derives its name from the tranquil Opawa River, which winds through the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. The river's rich resources were invaluable to the local farmers as well as the source of their favourite meal; the Rainbow Trout. In the 1930s Opawa River was diverted to stop Blenheim from flooding and the landscape was changed forever. Its redirection inadvertently transformed Riverby Estate into one of New Zealand's finest wine growing properties. Riverby Estate now shows no sign of the Opawa, apart from the tales of longtime resident Peter Matthews, who relays the stories of his father Ellis catching trout where the river once flowed.
In 2008 the range was extended from the four traditional varietals to include three new wines, a Pinot Gris, a medium style Riesling called Sali’s Block and a Noble Riesling
2008 Sauvignon Blanc
“Grassy citrussy scents with herbs and lemon drops. Some sweetness to the flavours with a lightly spritzy texture, some bubble gum esters, summer herbs, a touch of tropical fruit, an earthy, steely undercurrent and racy acidity. It fleshes out on the finish with fresh tropical fruit emerging on the lingering aftertaste. Very nice with fennel and seafood." - Wineoftheweek.com, October 2008
“Mouthfilling and gently aromatic, with ripe, tropical fruit flavours showing good depth and a dry finish." - Michael Cooper, Winestate, March 2009
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2007 Riesling Dry Style
5 Stars, 94+ Points "This young Riesling is already very approachable showing lifted aromas of limes, passion fruits and fresh flowers. It’s ripe and succulent on the palate revealing fine texture and well integrated racy acidity. It’s concentrated and wonderfully structured with an outstanding line and length. One to watch. At its best: now to 2015." – Wine Orbit 2008
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2008 Sali’s Block Riesling
Gold Medal "Full of juicy citrus, pineapple and red apple fruit, the medium sweetness is balanced by bright crisp acidity." - NZ International Wine Show, 2008
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2008 Pinot Gris
“Crisp, medium-dry style with lemon, apple and spice flavours, fresh and vibrant, good texture and an aromatic bouquet” – Michael Cooper, Winestate, March 2009
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2008 Noble Riesling
Best Australasian Sweet Style White—Winestate
5 Stars “Light Gold, with a richly scented, honeyed bouquet and intense, late harvest fruit flavours. Very pure rich, sweet and luscious. “ – Michael Cooper, Winestate, March 2009
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2007 Chardonnay
5 Stars “ Very classy wine from 19 year old vines with concentrated, citrusy flavours, mealy, biscuity notes adding complexity, a creamy texture and lovely flow across the palate. Rated highly by all the judges and a great buy.” - Michael Cooper Winestate, March 2009
5 Stars, 94 points "This is an impressive Chardonnay already. The nose is intense and vibrant exhibiting ripe stone fruit, pineapple and creamy characters with subtle, well integrated toasty oak notes. It’s concentrated on the palate showing satin smooth texture, lively acid in great harmony, excellent weight and a stunning length of flavour. The wine is immediately appealing yet its concentration and structure will ensure the wine’s graceful development. At its best: now to 2012." - Wine Orbit 2008
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