Mills Reef winery launches a new range of wines called Bespoke

One of our favourite wineries and the most awarded boutique winery in new Zealand has just come out with a new range. This new range joins their premium lineup and sits perfectly between their Elspeth and the Reserve ranges that we often recommend in M2.

The new line up was born from the desire of wine-maker and owner Tim Preston to have a range that allowed them to innovate beyond the classic varietals and the much loved selection they already have. Aptly named Bespoke these wines are produced in small-parcel lots – whether unconventional in varietal composition or style, nostalgic in nature, or a unique one-off.

Being abstract and tailor-made, “it was befitting to bestow this special range of wines with the name ‘Bespoke’” says General Manager Nick Aleksich.

The new range allows them the avenue to innovate and experiment but still maintain the same high quality we have grown to love and expect of the Mills Reef family.

We got to try two wines from the inaugural annual release of Bespoke….

The first being 2016 Bespoke Chardonnay, which brings back memories of some of the big bold chardonnays of yesteryear. A sumptuous Chardonnay that is lavish and intense, yet beautifully balanced with lashings of delicious toasty oak with white stone fruit flavours and creamy butterscotch notes. This a wine that is ahead of its time and ‘on trend’ like double denim.

The second wine is 2015 Bespoke Cabernet blend unconventionally blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, fusing their respective strengths of structure and aromatics.
The blend creates a delicious fusion, bursting with blackcurrant and boysenberry fruits wrapped in a delightfully fresh violet perfume, complemented with subtle cedary oak and a lingering spicy liquorice finish.