O’Brien’s and Man O’ War Wines commence new partnership in Ireland
Man O’ War Wines has established a partnership with the prestigious O’Brien’s, Ireland’s largest family owned drinks retailer. Man O’ War will be the first Waiheke Island wine, joining O’Brien’s select New Zealand portfolio.
O’Brien’s, renowned for its staff’s knowledge and training of quality wine, will be hosting Man O’ War’s Winemaker, Duncan McTavish, and Sales & Marketing Manager, Sara Fogarty, at some of their Dublin stores during late September. “With both of us being family owned we share many attributes, with individuality and quality being the focus. We are delighted to join O’Brien’s excellent portfolio of outstanding wines and are looking forward to sharing our unique wines with Ireland”, says Sara.
“With New Zealand wines at the front of our customers minds I am thrilled that we are able to introduce diversity to our portfolio with these award winning wines from this little known region of New Zealand.” says Lynne Coyle, Head Wine Buyer and Development for O’Brien’s.
Man O’ War derives its name from the spectacular bay that Captain James Cook anchored off in 1769. Upon sighting the ancient stands of magnificent Kauri trees covering the surrounding coastline, Cook noted that they would make ideal spars for the warships of the Royal Navy.
Today, the 100% estate grown and family owned Man O’ War Vineyards is known for its award winning wines (Double Gold for Man O’ War Dreadnought 2008 from Decanter & International Wine Challenge 2010) which are individually named to reflect the history and exceptional sense of the place. Located on a stunning coastal site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, the vineyards are made up of 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their unique terroir.
The Man O’ War wines, available in O’Brien’s from October, will include Ironclad 2008, Dreadnought 2008, Valhalla 2009, Man O’ War Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Man O’ War Merlot Cabernet Franc 2008 and Man O’ War Chardonnay 2008. All these wines are featured on the Man O’ War website | |  |
Dreadnought Syrah, one of Man O’ War’s flagship wines, has received GOLD in two of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions, ‘Decanter Wine Awards’ and the ‘International Wine Challenge’. To add further kudos to this achievement, only 5 New Zealand wineries received Gold in both awards and Man O’ War Dreadnought was the only Waiheke wine to receive Gold in both. Increasingly competitive, both competitions hit record numbers this year. The International Wine Challenge received submissions from 46 wine producing countries whilst Decanter hit 10,983 entries, sealing its position as the world’s biggest international wine competition, with only 2.8% of wines winning a coveted Gold or Regional Trophy! Man O’ War’s vineyard manager Matt Allen says, “The whole team is on a real high following the results and its great reward for everyone involved, knowing firsthand the hard yards required for such recognition. 2008 was a truly amazing vintage to be a part of and the awards are further endorsement that wines produced from little old Waiheke can stand proud on a world stage.” Man O’ War is found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s pristine Hauraki Gulf. It is named for the fact that Waiheke supplied kauri trees to Captain James Cook for masts on his Man O’ War battle ships. The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides — 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. This attention to detail has delivered wines of individuality, character and quality. Dreadnought Syrah takes its name from the first in a line of 20th century battleships bestowed with the motto ‘Fear God and Dread Nought’ and embodying a supreme combination of speed and power. Dreadnought Syrah is grown on the steepest and most breathtaking hillside vineyards.
Man O’ War has been invited to exhibit at the exclusive Ultimate Parker in Asia – an invitation-only event for the world’s best wineries in Singapore, from May 1 to 3.
It’s particularly prestigious because of the star guest, the world’s most influential wine critic, Robert Parker Jr – who is also bringing key critics from The Wine Advocate, which awarded Man O’ War wines very high scores late last year.
Just 100 wineries from around the world have been hand picked to attend the Ultimate Parker in Asia, which involves two days of wine tasting, master classes and a charity dinner hosted by Parker.
“It goes to show that Man O’ War is making a name for itself as a producer of serious fine wine,” says Man O’ War sales and marketing manager Sara Fogarty.
As well as industry tastings, the event is expected to attract between 1500 and 2000 wine enthusiasts from around Asia – an invaluable opportunity to reach a discerning and growing wine market.
Man O’ War will be showcasing its Ironclad Bordeaux Blend 2008, Dreadnought Syrah 2008 and Man O’ War Chardonnay 2008, all of which received very good scores in The Wine Advocate.
This comes just weeks after Man O’ War’s launch in Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia with Rubicon Reserve Wines.
“Asia is a really important market for us,” says Sara Fogarty. “Wine drinkers there are passionate about good wine. We want to show them just how good New Zealand and Waiheke wine can be.”
“Man O’ War is showing that New Zealand is not just a one trick Pinot Noir pony,” says David Coleman of Rubicon Reserve Wines. “The production of super premium Bordeaux blends and world class Syrah makes Man O’ War the perfect bookend for Rubicon Reserve Wines extensive New Zealand portfolio.”
Man O’ War is found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s pristine Hauraki Gulf. The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides — 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. It’s this attention to detail that creates such individual wines. Man O’ War opens cellar door - December 22, 2009
You should pay a visit to Man O' War Bay this summer, there will find nestled amongst the native trees Man O’ War’s new Cellar Door, a rustic cabin paying homage to keeping Kiwiana alive on Waiheke Island. “It’s fairly understated, we just want people to come and enjoy the beauty of Man O’ War Bay and experience our fantastic wines and produce”, says Man O’ War’s Bronwyn Skuse.
All Man O’ War wines will be available for tasting, as well as products from the surrounding farm, including olive oil and honey. Because of the sheltered beauty of Man O’ War Bay, it is traditionally a popular boaties destination. Now they will be able to drop in and stock up! For those on foot or wheels, Man O’ War Bay is a perfect picnic destination offering a public BBQ for use also! You can stop by, stock up or settle in and enjoy this gorgeous Bay! Between December 26 and January 4, the cellar door will be open every day between 12 and 6pm, and then between Friday and Sunday until Easter. Man O’War is located on a stunning coastal site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, the vineyards are made up of 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their unique terroir. Now, Man O’ War drinkers can enjoy this very special part of the world. Ironclad named best new world red by Decanter’s Steven Spurrier - December 15, 2009
Man O’ War’s flagship wine, Ironclad 2008, has been named best new-world red by Steven Spurrier in the latest issue of Decanter magazine (January 2010).
It comes just weeks after three Man O’ War wines from the same vintage took 90-plus ratings in Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.
“The 2008 vintage is being hailed as one of Waiheke’s best” says Duncan McTavish, Man O’ War’s winemaker. “It’s really gratifying that our flagship blend, Ironclad has been recognized by one of the world’s great wine authorities”.
Spurrier noted the Ironclad was an “arresting Bordeaux blend… Smoky from oak ageing with magnificent berry fruits and leathery undertones.”
It’s all the result of Man O’ War’s fastidious approach to winegrowing. Located on a stunning coastal site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, the vineyards are made up of 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their unique terroir.
It’s this approach that allows each and every vine to produce the best possible fruit – and the results show through in the recognition Man O’ War is achieving for its wine.
Man O’ War wines take Parker honours for second year running - November 25, 2009
Three Man O’ War wines achieved 90-plus ratings in Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, September 2009 Issue #184 — the second year the vineyard has received such high ratings.
This comes after a year of accolades, including praise in major New Zealand and international media, and just goes to show what consistently excellent wines Man O’ War is producing.
“It’s a great vote of confidence to get such high praise from those we admire, it confirms our belief that we are crafting wines from a very special place,” says Duncan McTavish, Man O’ War Winemaker.
Topping the Parker scores was the 2008 Dreadnought, with 91 points. Reviewer for The Wine Advocate Neal Martin remarked on the wine’s dried herb characters of bay leaf and thyme, with firm tannins and “a dash of white pepper on the poised finish that displays fine tannins and great focus… Coy — but give this time to unfurl.”
The 2008 Valhalla also scored 91 points. “The palate is very harmonious with tropical overtones, good acidity, fresh citrus fruit with touches of brioche and a little vanilla pod. Green lemon, hints of white peach developing, great length. This is a very fine, quite assertive Chardonnay,” Martin noted.
The team was delighted that two of its flagship wines received such praise. But they were especially excited that from the Man O’ War entry level range the Man O’ War Chardonnay 2008 was awarded 90 points.
“It just goes to show what great value Man O’ War is,” says Man O’ War sales and marketing manager Sara Fogarty. “All of our wines are consistently excellent. But to be able to drink a 90-point wine every day? That’s exciting, especially in the current economic environment.”
Neal noted that the wine has notes of green lemon, kiwi fruit and apple-blossom, with “nice definition” and a palate showing lemon, lime, apple and a touch of peach skin. It is, he wrote, “content being delicious.”
Wine writer John Hawkesby agrees. In the November 14, 2009 edition of Canvas (The New Zealand Herald’s weekend magazine) the Waiheke-based personality praised the same Chardonnay, calling it “Perfect summer drinking” with an “elegant, lively finish”.
That follows mentions for Man O’ War’s wines in several international magazines. Bob Campbell MW, writing in Gourmet Traveller Wine, wrote: “The wines show impressive concentration and ripeness under the watchful eye of winemaker Duncan McTavish.”
Meanwhile, Decanter editor Guy Woodward reviewed the Pinot Gris. “The 2008 has a welcome fleshy texture, lively, zesty fruit and a touch of prickly breadiness.”
Man O’ War is found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s pristine Hauraki Gulf. It is named for the fact that Waiheke supplied kauri trees to Captain Cook for masts in the Man O’ War battle ships.
The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides — 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. This attention to detail has delivered wines of individuality, character and quality. Man O’ War to launch in Britain - July 10, 2010
Man O’ War will launch in the United Kingdom in September and it’s been helped greatly by teaming up with boutique wine distributor Stokes Fine Wines. It’s an exciting move. Established in 1987, Stokes only represents winemakers who are passionate about making handcrafted wines, searching out high-quality wines with bags of character; wines that speak of the place they’re from and the people who make it. This obsession with quality and individuality means its wines find their way onto some of the best British wine shelves — including Harvey Nicholls. Naturally, Man O’ War is thrilled to be able to provide knowledgeable British palates with the best Waiheke Island has to offer. Stokes’ Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Liddle, says: “I am delighted to be working with Man O’ War Vineyards in the UK, a really outstanding producer that shares our philosophy for having fun while achieving well-planned and executed success. “Man O’ War is at the start of a very exciting adventure which I am so pleased to be part of and look forward to developing a long-standing partnership.” Man O’ War’s winemaker Duncan McTavish will be attending the launch, at a venue to be announced, with the owners of Man O’ War and Sales & Marketing Manager Sara Fogarty. McTavish is no stranger to European shores: after graduating from Lincoln university in New Zealand as the inaugural graduate of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology degree program in 1998, he travelled the world studying — and tasting at — some of the great wine growing regions of the world, including Burgundy and the Rheingau. He brings that experience to Man O’ War, with a goal of creating iconic New Zealand wines. Man O’ War is family owned and all estate grown, found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island. The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides — 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. It’s this attention to detail that produces such individual wines. British drinkers will love it. Man O’ War is family owned and all estate grown, found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island. The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides — 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. It’s this attention to detail that produces such individual wines. British drinkers will love it | |
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