Astrolabe Wines
Astrolabe Wines
AboutAstrolabe Wines
Astrolabe took shape in Marlborough in 1996, when winemaker Simon Waghorn and Jane Forrest-Waghorn created a label of their own. The name recalls L’Astrolabe, the ship used by French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville to chart the Marlborough coast in 1827. The founders’ daughters, Libby and Arabella, now work alongside their parents.
Its wines draw on a network of ten grower families across Marlborough, many relationships lasting more than two decades. The Farm, the family’s vineyard in the lower Wairau Valley, is dry-farmed and managed with organic practices.
Astrolabe 2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand White
Fruit came from the Awatere Valley, Southern Valleys, KÄkerengÅ« Coast and Wairau Valley. Free-draining stony and silty loam includes some clay or limestone. The fruit was machine-harvested in cool evening conditions, destemmed and lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. Clear, cold-settled juice fermented at low temperature in stainless steel with neutral yeasts. Alcohol is 13.5 percent, and bottling took place on June 4.
Astrolabe 2023 Marlborough Pinot Gris
New Zealand White
Pale gold and quietly aromatic, with citrus peel, poached pear and peach joined by a gentle touch of spice. The palate is pure, crisp and dry, layering pear, quince and light stone fruit over fine minerality and delicate structure. Balanced and food-friendly, it suits roast poultry, salmon, creamy mushrooms or a simple pasta.