Landon-Lane/Janssen Family Vineyard
Four Hawk Day wines are produced on our vineyard situated on the banks of the Omaka River, in the charming Cowslip Valley. This distinctive little valley creates a unique microclimate within the Waihopai Valley grape-growing area. We have recorded temperatures ranging from minus 14 to plus 42 degrees here, we took both days off!
The Family
The Name
When the children were young they would play ‘hawk spotting’ on the ride to town. Seeing one hawk was good; two or three was pretty special, but on the rare occasion they saw four hawks, it was the best day possible. We hope you have the best day possible while enjoying our Four Hawk Day wines.
Our Move
We moved back to Marlborough from Auckland in 1993 with our 18 month old daughter in tow and the intention of bottling our own wine one day. Adrian left a career in the movie and display industries and Jo has continued her career in nursing and tutoring so that we can afford to grow grapes! We have been grape-growing in the Waihopai Valley for the last 23 years, through some very challenging times, from losing the entire crop to frost twice, to big floods, and the occasional grassfire. But through all this we have continued to grow and currently cover over 9 hectares or 23 planted acres.
This wine for us epitomises determination in the face of adversity and finally marks the achievement of the dream that brought us here; even though we may be 18 years behind on a 5 year project!
2012 marked a new stage in our development as we started marketing our own single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc wine. We have since added Pinot Gris, Rose and Pinot Noir which have been very well received.
The Family
This is very much a family business, our children Tess, Leatham and Piers have grown up with the vines, so we proudly say our wine is made with child labour. Tess also painted the picture that became the Four Hawk Day label when she was 9 years old.
The Wine
These elegant wines come from our dry, stony, Waihopai Valley property, where even the rabbits have to bring a packed lunch and any stones smaller than a kerosene can are considered gravel! The tough growing conditions bring out the flavour-filled character of the grapes, which we have captured for you to enjoy.
Our wines are made by local winemaker David Tyney. David is an experienced winemaker with lead roles in wineries in New Zealand as well as Australia, USA and China. He recently won both top prizes at an international winemakers invitational in the Ningxia Province, China, an accolade that is very well deserved.
Sauvignon Blanc
A fresh and elegantly proportioned wine with concentrated flavours of gooseberry, citrus and passion fruit. The palate is dry to taste and medium-bodied, the acidity is perfect for balance and energy and carries the flavours to a soft, gentle, lingering finish.
Alcohol: 12.5
Residual sugar: 5 g/L
BEST IN CLASS & JUDGES CHOICE AWARD: UNOAKED SAUVIGNON BLANC. Dan Berger International Wine Competition 2016.
Wine Orbit: 4.5 Stars
Rosé
A delicate pale pink in colour. Seductive scents of wild strawberries, cranberries and violets. Dryish to taste, ethereal texture leads to a lingering finish. A seamless wine, made with a very light touch.
This is a delicate, nuanced and pretty rosé to serve alfresco, as an aperitif and with fresh fruit over the next 2 years.
Alcohol: 13
Residual sugar: 3.5 g/L
ANZ Boutique Wine Awards 2019: Trophy, Best Rosé
NZ Aromatic Wine Competition 2020: Gold Medal
Wine Orbit: 5 Stars
Pinot Gris
The intense aromas are of nashi pear, dried nectarine and fig. Flavours of these and other dried fruits fill the mouth, whilst the finish is dry, long and rewarding. Pairs well with many foods, especially pork, seafood and cheeses.
Alcohol: 13.5
Residual sugar: 5.1 g/L
Wine Orbit: 5 Stars
Pinot Noir
Aromas of raspberry and red currant predominate with subtle oak undertones. The nose is tight and elegantly proportioned. The palate combines ripe berry fruit and red cherry flavours, with velvety tannins. It is dry to taste and medium-bodied, with well-balanced acidity, which carries the flavours to a soft, lingering finish. Enjoy with prime NZ beef, lamb and venison for up to 4 years.
Alcohol: 13.1
Residual sugar: 1.1 g/L
Gallery
Contact us
If you would like to contact us to find out more, share feedback or join our Friends of Four Hawk Day mailing list; either phone or email us directly or complete the attached forms and email them back to us.
Contact us at:
Email: jo@fourhawkday.co.nz
Phone: 03 5724023
Mobile: 0210414368
Address: 294 Tyntesfield Rd, RD 6, Waihopai Valley, Blenheim 7276
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