Another great year predicted for winery

Alpha Domus managing director Paul Ham (left), former chief winemaker Kate Galloway and new chief Barry Riwai with The Aviator which is getting top reviews.

Alpha Domus winery's new chief winemaker, Barry Riwai, has added his voice to predictions that the 2015 vintage will be equal to or even surpass the "great" 2013 vintage.

Winemakers across Hawke's Bay have lauded the 2013 and 2014 vintages but until recently had been reluctant to put the latest pick up there with them.

Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Association chairman Michael Henley said all the indications were there that 2015 was another "fantastic" vintage.

"Not many regions in the world can claim three in a row."

Mr Riwai, who took on the new role in February after a long stint at Clearview Estate, said "all the indicators" were there that 2015 had produced another winner.

A combination of climate and lighter harvest quantities had done the trick.

"The weather played its part through last spring, summer and into autumn and has created a vintage of balance," Mr Riwai said.

"The weather was kind and the quantity of grapes were lighter than usual which has resulted in a better than average quality."

Mr Riwai said there had been little need to do as much fruit thinning and that helped create the "ideal fruit load" for a finely balanced vintage.

Alpha Domus managing director Paul Ham said the latest high quality vintage was perfect timing as the Maraekakaho rd winery was celebrating its 25th year.

"We take pride in continuing to make great wines from Bridge Pa 25 years on from when we first purchased the land and over the years we have had many superb vintages - and this is another."

Alpha Domus is internationally recognised for its Bordeaux-varietal reds The Aviator and The Navigator. It recently released its 2013 vintages and reviews have been glowing.

It was Alpha Domus's reputation for quality syrahs and blends which drew Mr Riwai to take over the chief winemaking role from Kate Galloway. "I've got a good palate, backed by good knowledge of Hawke's Bay wine and an interest in the marketing side of wines," he said.

"I have some goals that I want to achieve, which I can do here."