While we can’t turn back time, we can offer the next best thing: a rare horizontal tasting of four cellar-aged wines from the outstanding 2016 vintage, exclusively from Foxes Island.
Unlike a vertical tasting, which explores one wine across multiple vintages, a horizontal tasting presents a unique opportunity to experience multiple varietals from the same vintage and estate. It’s a deeper expression of time and place, and a hallmark of serious wine appreciation.
Foxes Island remains the only winery in New Zealand to cellar-age all its wines before release. Still, it’s rare to find four wines from the same vintage available simultaneously. “We often talk about vintage in the context of a single wine, but tasting across four different 2016 wines gives a true sense of the year,” says Founder and Vigneron, John Belsham. “Though the varietals differ, you can taste the seasons and New Zealand sunshine in every bottle—distinct and delicious.”
This limited-edition 4-bottle horizontal pack is ideal for sharing—perfect for a home tasting with 6–8 people. Everything you need is included, except the glasses and good company. “Plan on one glass per wine to make comparisons easy,” says Co-Director Kelly Brown. “And if you need more glasses, we’ve got you covered.”
Available while stocks last. First come, first served.
Each Box includes: 1 bottle each of 2016 Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, and Sur Lie Aged Sauvignon Blanc wrapped in an eco-friendly, reusable 100% New Zealand wool sleeve that is both protective and insulating.
2016 Estate Horizontal
Sur Lie Aged Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, the noble mother of Cabernet Sauvignon, is among the most age-worthy of vitis vinifera varietals. Crafted in a wide range of styles, it reaches remarkable heights at the premium end of the spectrum, where it is rightfully revered. The outstanding 2016 vintage delivered structured wines with vibrant fruit. In true John Belsham style, the sur lie aged Sauvignon Blanc is pure, precise, and energetic; an elegant age-worthy wine that stands well apart from commercial styles.
Dry Riesling
“Riesling is one of the great white wines of the world that rewards with patience. Hand-picked grapes and free-run juice only, the 2016 is a pure expression of the varietal grown on a stony lower terrace sitting next to the glacier-fed Awatere River. For longevity, the juice is fermented to a dryness level that achieves perfect tension between residual sugar, pH, total acidity and phenolic structure. The pure style is kept protected throughout the winemaking process, with the developed, toasty elements a reflection of bottle age only.
Indigenous Ferment Chardonnay
The 24th release of Foxes Island Chardonnay marks more than two decades of unwavering dedication, craftsmanship, and refinement; a benchmark of both heritage and
evolution. A lifted, elegant bouquet reveals layers of apricot, butterscotch, chalk, and toasty brioche. The palate is textured and vibrant, underpinned by fine structure and
balance. Poised to evolve beautifully with time.
Indigenous Ferment Pinot Noir
Awatere’s ancient soils, diurnal shifts, and dry summers shape this Pinot Noir. An Estate blend of Dijon clones grown across seven sculpted terraces. Dark, juicy berries, savoury herbs, and layered umami glide across the palate with elegant precision. Fine structure and silky texture unfold into supple curves and a long, graceful finish. Beautifully composed, this wine promises continued evolution with cellaring.
