Crystal Veil 2023 marks the debut of a singular wine, one that not only showcases Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc but does so through the lens of an extraordinary vessel: a 90+ year-old cask made from Totara, a native New Zealand tree rarely, if ever, seen in modern winemaking.

“My love of the natural world we call home has inspired me to explore ways to honour this land and let it speak through my craft,” says Lance. “Winemaking is more than just a process, it’s an expression of place. In re-discovering the rare gift of native New Zealand timber in our wines, I hope to reflect the voice of Aotearoa and pay respect to its spiritual and cultural heritage, the people who have walked this earth before us and offer the taste of something unique.”

The casks in question, crafted in the 1930s, are a far cry from the standard oak barrels of today. Hewn from the forest that carpeted this country, they hark back to a time before Stainless steel and imported European woods. The coopers tradition travelled with the early winegrowers to New Zealand and with them the first wines from this country began to emerge in the late 1800’s. Ranging from 2,100 to 2,900 litres, these large-format casks, foudre or botte are commonly found in northern Italy, Germany, Austria, and Alsace and often used for high-acid varietals like Nebbiolo, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. “They provide lower oxidation levels and a more neutral wood profile,” explains Lance. “But beyond that, they carry mana, history, and a spirit that transcends a mere flavour profile. This is about rekindling a connection to the past and the early history of winemaking in New Zealand.”

Discovered in a mothballed winery in the far-north town of Kaikohe, these barrels were traced back to the Brajkovich family, best known for their work with Kumeu River Wines in West Auckland. To bring the wood back to life, their restoration comes with immense challenges. “Like restoring a vintage timber boat, it requires traditional techniques. We’ve had to use draw saws, working with the grain as they would have in the 1920s. The wood is brittle, and every step requires immense care. It’s an ongoing journey, and we’re not there yet, it will take time.” says Lance Redgwell.

While this is a long-term project, the scale will always be limited by the number of barrels available. “My hope is that this effort will keep these barrels in use for another 95 years, inspiring future generations to take pride in New Zealand’s winemaking heritage,” says Lance. “And ultimately, my goal is to craft the most distinctly Kiwi wines on the planet— wine that speaks not just of place, but of history, tradition, and the land that nurtures it.”

Sauvignon Blanc Crystal Veil 2023 is both clean and complex. The Totara cask, imparts subtle structure and texture, what Lance describes as “a phenolic gift,” giving the wine tension and finesse, along with a faint, lingering memory of fennel seed on the finish. Whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented, and left on lees for nearly two years. With zero skin contact, low sulphites (23ppm), and an alcohol level of 12%.

Only 3,073 bottles produced.

For more info, contact Lance

lance@cambridgeroad.co.nz

027 526 2069

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