Growing Legacy
Thirty-six years after Dave and Chris Macdonald followed a vineyard dream to Marlborough, and 28 years after they named a wine label for their children Blair and Deni, the family is devoted to Bladen, says Deni Hopkins
James told Don he was visiting New Zealand to taste 800 wines when he decided to visit some top producers. While driving down Cambridge Road in Martinborough he spotted the vineyard, which he recalled visiting 11 years before It reminded him of vineyards in Vosne-Romanée, "the best parts of Burgundy". The vineyard has 2900 Pinot Noir vines, most of which were planted in 1988, making them relatively old by New Zealand standards.
The wine critic denies ever having an ambition to become a winemaker but confesses to a love of Martinborough Pinot Noir and an affection for New Zealand generally. His wife had never been to New Zealand but fortunately gave the project the thumbs-up. Unfortunately you are unlikely to find Suckling Pinot Noir in your local wine store, as he plans to share it with a few friends only.
