Product Description
He was 22 years old when he arrived in New Zealand from Spain in 1888. His first eleven years where spent in Wanganui, working for his uncle, pioneer winemaker Joseph Soler. He then moved to Hawkes Bay where in 1905 he purchased a small property in Hastings. Once the stables that occupied the site were converted into a cellar, Anthony set about planting some grapevines. Thereafter, success led to expansion with further vineyard plantings in Te Awanga and then Te Mata. After his death, control of the winery passed to his three sons. The Vidal family made a decision to sell in the early 1970’s and for a while the winery experienced some instability. This changed in 1976 when George Fistonich bought the winery and began to steadily restore the Vidal reputation as a quality wine producer. Hugh Crichton became Vidal winemaker in 2006, having worked with the Vidal winemaking team in various capacities since 2004. Prior to joining Vidal, Hugh had established a solid winemaking career both in New Zealand and overseas, working vintages at Chateau Soutard Grande Cru Classe in Saint Emilion France, Chard Farm in Central Otago, Donnafugata in Italy and several at Millton Vineyards in Gisborne where his inspiration for environmentally conscious and organic winemaking and viticulture was fostered. During his time in Europe, Hugh had the opportunity to experience many European wines, often which were more elegant in style and food friendly in nature than their New World counterparts. His exposure to some of the great wines of this style has been a key influence on his winemaking direction. Producing wines which are truly reflective of the region and vineyards where the grapes are grown is also at the core of Hugh’s winemaking philosophy.
The classic Hawkes Bay vintage has produced a wine of concentration and restraint. Citrus, roasted nut and fragrant flinty aromatics combine on a finely styled, textured and seamless palate. Showing harmony and good complexity on the finish.