Wine
Aria’s wine list is one of the most awarded in Australia, showcasing the finest wines this country has to offer as well as an eclectic mix from all over the
world. Aria is the flagship venue for the Solotel wine program and Aria’s talented head sommelier, Alex
Kirkwood, has created a truly authentic and diverse list including boutique producers, cult heroes and rising stars. Let our team of experienced
sommeliers take you on a wine journey you will never forget.
Wine Feature • Rippon Winery • Lake Wanaka • Central Otago
Situated on the shore of Lake Wanaka, Rippon winery is without question one of the most breathtaking vineyards anywhere in the world. Since the first plantings on the family estate in 1975, the Mills family has strived to showcase how special their little patch of dirt is. Now pushing towards a fully self-functioning farm, their practice of biodynamics, wild ferments, dry irrigation and philosophy to leave their dirt better than how they found it, is truly aspirational. There are few people on this planet that will inspire you about terrior and their individual story more than winemaker Nick Mills.
As the lake has receded over time it has exposed intense schist which dominates the soil profile and crafts exceptional Pinot Noir more than worthy of their international acclaim. The quality of this site and the team that work it helps shape the other varieties they have planted, and puts them not just at the top end of New Zealand wineries but mixing it with the very best worldwide.
Riesling
Beautifully complex in its multi-layered yet fine focused frame. Fantastic use of phenolics and loads of energy and length. Unique and true to place.
2017 Rippon Jeunesse Young Vine 140
2016 Rippon Mature Vine 130
2013 Rippon Mature Vine 110
2012 Rippon Mature Vine 165
Gamay
It is fair to say that this expression of Gamay is unrivalled outside of Beaujolais and even then still regularly shakes the vine of its homeland. This is completely unadulterated, hands-off winemaking and natural in all the right ways. Juicy, savoury, generous and lively somehow all at the same time. Always very impressive and highly drinkable!
2017 Rippon 165
2015 Rippon 150
Pinot noir
The farm voice of a distinct parcel of land: Rippon. This wine is from a combination of the mature vines from across the property grown on the deep schist soil. A generous array of deep cherry, plum, savoury tones is wrapped in graphite mineral complexity.
2016 Rippon Mature Vines 195
2013 Rippon Mature Vines 180
A unique parcel within Rippon, Emma’s Block faces eastward on the lakefront where ancient clay reefs run laterally through fine schist gravels. This site offers immediate attraction and approachability. Displaying lifted floral tones, crunchy fresh red fruits and feels more open knit. Elegance and finesse on offer.
2013 Rippon Emma's Block 290
2012 Rippon Emma's Block 380
2010 Rippon Emma's Block 360
2009 Rippon Emma's Block 320
2008 Rippon Emma's Block 1500ml 760
Tinker’s Field is a gentle, north-facing slope formed by an ancient ejection cone of coarse schist gravels. Tinker’s Field is home to the oldest vines on the property. Displaying serious structure and firm tannin rarely seen from this part of the world. Compressed, powerful and seemingly endless length. Thought-provoking Pinot!
2015 Rippon Tinker’s Field 280
2013 Rippon Tinker’s Field Bequest 330
2013 Rippon Tinker’s Field 280
2012 Rippon Tinker’s Field 425
2013 Rippon Tinker’s Field Mature Vines Bequest 330
2008 Rippon Tinker’s Field 1500ml 840
Illustration by Belinda Aucott in collaboration with Aria