Putangi – A Wine that makes you feel
An inspiring story of a true unsung hero of New Zealand’s endemic birdlife conservation.
Putangi – A Dedicated Wine
His mission was to single-handedly try and save some our rarest birds, the Kakapo and Kiwi from extinction caused by the introduction of stouts, rats and ferrets.
He rowed around this area is his dingy named “Putangi”, collecting as many birds as possible, transferring them onto what he hoped would be the safety of Resolution Island. His dinghy was aptly named in honour of his favourite bird – Putangi is the Maori name for the Paradise Duck. Resolution Island is the 5th largest Island in New Zealand after the North, South, Stewart and Great Barrier islands.
Aside from the other challenges such as tourists and human behaviour, what Richard did not know is that at the closest point, Resolution Island is only 800m from the mainland. Sadly these vicious mustelid pests could swim up to 1km and eventually, 14 years later, Richard – realising he could not prevent their incursion to “his island” – left, totally dejected.
The difficulty in doing all of this can’t be overestimated. The Fiordland terrain is exceedingly rugged, the coastal waters treacherous, and the weather notorious for its severity and unpredictability. So in honour of his efforts we dedicate the wine to him – and if only to take time to remember that, whenever you have had a tough day there is always Pinot!
2024 Putangi Pinot Gris
Perfumed and bright with nashi pear, apricot, melon and nectarine. Richly textured with honeydew melon and sweet floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine. Well-balanced acidity with a long finish. THE BEST EVER.
$25.00 incl. GST
2024 Putangi Pinot Noir
Aromas of blueberries, plums, black cherry, orange blossom, violets and toasted oak. Dark stone fruits, chocolate and clove spice on the palate with bright acidity and fine grained tannins. Lovely weight and structure and a persistent finish. The Best Ever!
$38.00 incl. GST