Young Winemaker of the Year, Ben McNab, has been appointed the winemaker role at the iconic Martinborough vineyard, Dry River Wines. Its legacy of forty years of grape growing and winemaking began in the late 1970s by founder Neil McCullum, and will continue with McNab’s passion and expertise.
“It’s an exciting opportunity,” said McNab. “I’m conscious of the responsibility that comes with taking over one of the country’s heritage brands in one of our premier wine regions.”
Formerly from Palliser Estate, McNab was named the 2012 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year. The young winemaker award was a result of a 10-year apprenticeship along with three attempts at the title. As a proud third-generation Wairarapa farmer, McNab’s approach to viticulture is respectful of the traditions he inherits.
Coming into the role during the flowering season, McNab explained that this is a great time to get to know the land, vines, and fruit. Martinborough doesn’t make bulk wine, for the product is a low-yield fine wine with high quality, which is why McNab is eager to develop a close relationship with it in all its stages.
Dry River and Luna Estate head winemaker Joel Watson detailed that protecting the renowned Martinborough winery is a core value for the staff and new owner, Charlie Zheng. With Dry River now returned to New Zealand ownership, Zheng is committed to Martinborough’s legacy after spending the past decade establishing Luna Estate.
“I feel the last six or seven Dry River releases are probably the best, most expressive, and consistent I’ve tasted,’ said Watson. “We have a lot of respect for the previous winemaker’s organic viticulture-led approach – it makes sense as we already use organic farming on all our Luna vineyards.”
Watson expressed the effort and commitment it takes from a team to deliver great wine, and with a foundation of 40 years to build on, Dry River are excited to take on McNab, who has a “fantastic future ahead of him.”
