Cambridge Road Wines: New Zealand's Natural Wine Torchbearer

Cambridge Road is a highly influential and celebrated natural wine estate located in Martinborough, on the North Island of New Zealand. The visionary behind Cambridge Road is Lance Redgwell, who, alongside his family, purchased the property in 2006. After years of globetrotting and honing his winemaking skills, Lance has firmly established Cambridge Road as a leader in naturally made, terroir-driven wines in New Zealand.

The estate spans a compact yet impactful 2.2 hectares, situated on the Martinborough Terrace, a unique geological formation of weathered river-borne sandstone, windblown dust, and seams of clay and ferrous oxides. The vineyards boast Pinot Noir and Syrah vines planted as early as 1986, which have been farmed organically since the 1990s – a rarity for the region at the time. Lance quickly reinstated and intensified organic practices upon acquiring the land, integrating biodynamic principles to "ignite the biology" and seek the finest expression of the site's potential. They now organically and biodynamically farm four main sites in the greater Martinborough area, with a strong focus on their home block.

In the winery, Lance Redgwell's approach is characterized by minimal intervention and a deep respect for natural processes. Fermentations occur spontaneously with native yeasts, and the wines are crafted without the use of any winemaking additives, except for occasional, very small amounts of sulfur dioxide. Many of their wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined, allowing the natural microflora and beneficial compounds to remain intact. Cambridge Road is particularly known for its diverse range, including expressive Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as captivating white wines, unique blends, and their highly sought-after Pét-Nat, "The Naturalist." Lance believes that clean-farmed organic fruit is fundamental to a wine's health and ability to reflect its origin honestly.

Cambridge Road wines are lauded for their purity, vibrancy, and profound sense of place. They embody the wild beauty and cool-climate complexity of Martinborough, offering an authentic and soulful experience to discerning wine drinkers worldwide.

 
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