Wild River Wines
Mount Brown vineyards are planted on old river-beds that criss-crossed the Waipara Valley millions of years ago. 
These gravel soils produce extraordinary wines, some of which are bottled under our Wild River label.
Wild River wines are available exclusively in New Zealand from Fine Wine Delivery Company
Currently on release are:
- 2011 Wild River Sauvignon Blanc
- 2011 Wild River Pinot Noir
- 2011 Wild River Pinot Gris
- 2011 Wild River Riesling
2011 Wild River Sauvignon Blanc
The varietally expressive Sauvignon Blanc has gooseberry aromas along with ripe passionfruit and guava with a mineral note of lemon. The palate shows good weight and fruit concentration with fine acidity and texture followed by a crisp, citrus finish.
This crisp acidic edge and medium weight make it ideally paired with seafood, chicken or pan-fried white fish. Unlike herbaceous New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, this wine has gooseberry and tropical flavours so will tolerate some chilli or mild curry spices.
‘Offering great value, the 2011 vintage (3.5*) was produced by the Waipara producer, Mount Brown. Full-bodied, fresh and full-flavoured, it is vibrantly fruity, in a ripely herbaceous style, finely balanced and smooth.’ Michael Cooper
‘There’s a real mix of both citrus and tangy tropical flavours in this snapp sauvignon. Expect passionfruit, feijoa and all sorts of herbal goodness’ 3.5* Yvonne Lorkin
2011 Wild River Pinot Noir
Plum and ripe berry flavours are complemented by hints of spice. Ageing in French oak and malolactic fermentation have resulted in a complex, well-balanced wine with a generous palate and long finish.
Moderate amounts of tannin mean the wine will suit meats with some fattiness, such as lamb or duck, especially those flavoured with pepper. Woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil will compliment the earthy flavours of the wine. An ideal match would be braised lamb shanks with caramelised onions.
Silver Medal: 2012 Spiegelau International Wine Competition
3* ‘A good buy. The 2011 vintage (3*) is full-coloured, mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, with plenty of plummy, slightly spicy flavour.’ Michael Cooper
17+/20 ‘Moderately dark ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, the aromas of fresh wild raspberries feature on bouquet with good depth and some concentration’ Raymond Chan
‘Bright, fresh red cherry, floral and subtle herb flavours showing good purity. Reasonably soft-textured wine. Good varietal flavours in a wine that offers very good value at this price.’ 83/100 Bob Campbell
2011 Wild River Pinot Gris
Dry yet with a lovely creamy texture. Pear and quince characters on the approach leading through to fresh ginger and a crisp finish.
The depth of flavour make it a very versatile wine to enjoy with just about any food. It’s ideal with roasted white meats such as pork or chicken as well as stir-fried food as the moderate acidity offsets any oiliness.
Bronze Medal: 2012 Spiegelau International Wine Competition
‘The good value 2011 vintage (3.5*) is a single-vineyard wine, pale lemon/green, with mouthfilling body and very satisfying depth of peachy, distinctly spicy flavours, fresh, lively and dryish.’ Michael Cooper
‘A crunchy, dry white with clean pear- and apple-skin characters and some interesting spicy flavours and a mineral driven finish.’ 3.5 stars, Yvonne Lorkin
2011 Wild River Riesling
This fruit driven Riesling has aromas of lemon and lime with spicey floral note. The palate is rich in both texture and concentration with good balance, acidity and fruit flavour.
Perfect with pan-fried white fish and seafood. The slight sweetness and good acidity will balance oilness in Asian dishes especially those flavoured with limes such as Thai Green Curry.
Silver Medal: 2012 Spiegelau International Wine Competition
‘An attractive wine with hints of lime marmalade and stonefruit, and a nutty, savoury aftertaste. It’s a complex, off-dry wine, textural and mouth-filling with a well-balanced finish.’ 4/5 stars Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times