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Murdoch James Estate Ltd

In 1986, when the owners of Murdoch James Estate, Roger and Jill Fraser, first planted Pinot Noir and Syrah vines on the historic "Saleyards Block" located on New Zealand-s famous Martinborough Terraces, they were determined to only make wine from 100% Martinborough grapes. In 1989, adjacent land was purchased and planted with Syrah by Jill's sister, Barbara Turner. Beginning with the early vintages, the wines made under the Murdoch James Estate label were gold medal and trophy winners. In 1998, the Fraser family purchased the old Blue Rock Vineyard, which is located south 8k from the Martinborough Village on the Dry River terraces. This vineyard was also first planted in the mid-1980's, with mainly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. More recently, further plantings of Syrah, Pinot Gris and new Pinot clones have increased the area under vines to 25 hectares.
Understanding our vineyards and their characteristics, planting with carefully selected clones and varieties, cropping at low levels and striving for a sympathetic environmental approach are all key elements of our viticulture practices. These disciplines sets high benchmarks for everything we do at Murdoch James Estate, and paired with a winemaking philosophy that reflects the individual terroir of each of our vineyards, produces wines of that are both stylish and individual.
Exports now account for a large part of our sales. While Pinot Noir was the initial focus of our export customers, increasing interest in our other varieties (Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) is evident.
Our winery is set in beautiful natural surroundings. The Dry River winds through the valley at the bottom of the property before disappearing on its underground journey to Lake Wairarapa. From the deck of our large tasting room and caf-, look out over the river valley to Lake Wairarapa and, beyond, the Rimutaka Ranges. Please look under the visit us menu for details about exploring Murdoch James Estate.

Contact
Phone:	+64 6 3069165
Fax:	+64 6 3069120
Postal Address:	PO Box 37 Martinborough New Zealand 5741
Delivery Address:	Dry River Road Martinborough New Zealand

Staff
Owner:	Jill and Roger Fraser
Manager:	Jill Fraser - Finance and administration
Sales:	Roger Fraser - Exports and Trade Distribution
Marketing:	Nicola Belsham
Winemaker:	David Bloomfield
Assistant Winemaker:	Carl Fraser
Viticulturist:	Barbara Turner

Producer Details
Opening Hours:	Cellar door: Almost every day 11.00am to 5.30pm Cafe: Weekends 12 noon to 3.30pm, and daily during December and January. Evening dinner and cellar dining: by arrangement year round.
Vineyards:	32
Production:	7000
Winery Tours:	Yes
Facilities:	Our facilities are very modern, having only opened in Octber 2000. The building is architect designed, with great views from the deck of the Dry River, with the Tararua Mountains in the distance. We have a large cafe, tasting room, and conference faciliti
Newsletter:	Yes -
Wineclub:	Yes -

Sales
Cellar Door:	Yes
Internet:	Yes
Direct Mail:	Yes
Via Retailers:	Yes

Wines from this Producer

Blue Rock Cabernet Franc | 2003

Blue Rock Chardonnay | 2004

Blue Rock Pinot Noir | 2003

Blue Rock Riesling | 2004

Blue Rock Sauvignon Blanc | 2004

Blushing Pinot | 2004

Cabernet Sauvignon | 1999

Cabernets | 2000

Fraser Pinot Noir | 2003

Kathleen Mary Cabernet Sauvignon | 2003

Murdoch Jamea Estate Reserve Pinot Noir | 2000

Murdoch James Estate Blue Rock Pinot Noir | 2002 | 2001

Murdoch James Estate Blushing Pinot | 2001

Murdoch James Estate Cabernet Franc | 2001

Murdoch James Estate Fraser Pinot Noir | 2002 | 2000

Murdoch James Estate Pinot Noir | 2003

Murdoch James Estate Sauvignon Blanc | 2001

Murdoch James Estate Shiraz | 2000

Murdoch James Estate Waiata Pinot Noir | 2002

Reisling | 2001

Saleyards Syrah | 2003

Tre Ami | 2003

Unaoked Chardonnay | 2001