Mud House

GOLD – The Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters – 2017

The Drinks Business Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters – 2017

GOLD – 2017 Mud House Single Vineyard Woolshed Sauvignon Blanc (export)

Now in its third year the competition identified the best Sauvignon Blanc from all around the world in every price range. Unlike other international competitions, The Global Masters series is judged by grape variety rather than country. Every wine will be measured on the taste of its grape and the skill of its winemaker.

All Global Masters are judged blind by the finest palates in the world – a panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers only. The best competing wines will be awarded medals from Bronze through to Gold, and ultimately “Master” for exceptional examples.

Twenty years ago, our founders arrived in New Zealand and fell in love with the place. After preparing the land and planting vines, they built a home to live in from the local earth. That home became our brand. Today, as proud New Zealanders, we make consistently beautiful wines for people who seek new experiences and embrace fresh ideas. Our passion is reflected in an enviable track record that has seen our wines consistently revered at home and recognised around the world.

Once a gold mining region, Bendigo is framed by ancient, dry hills and fanned by westerly winds. The soils have been formed from glaciers grinding up the schist rocks to smaller gravels and finer particles. These soils are rich in minerals, free draining and low in vigour so careful use of irrigation is required to maintain vine health. The climate is the most continental in New Zealand with cold winters (making great skiing in nearby Wanaka) and hot dry summers. Rainfall is low with average of 450mm's per annum and in peak summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees Celsius, however the much cooler nights maintain acidity and vitality in the Pinot Noir we produce. Fruit from this vineyard is used to create Mud House Single Vineyard Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir and Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir.

The Woolshed vineyard is situated west of Blenheim in the shelter of a steep sided triangular hill called the 'Delta'. This feature protects the vineyard from the frosts in spring and the different aspects of the slope produce fruit which makes for exciting blending options. Named after the original Woolshed building which is now our vineyard office and trade hosting facility, fruit from this vineyard goes into our Single Vineyard Woolshed Sauvignon Blanc, Single Vineyard Dambuster Pinot Noir and our Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. We're growing Pinot Gris at our 360 vineyard and we're looking forward to releasing a limited edition Single Vineyard Pinot Gris in 2018.

Like many Kiwis, when he was younger Cleighten chose to travel to Europe during his gap year.  Fuelled by a desire to see what was on the other side of the world; and an innate sense of adventure and fun, Cleighten certainly made the most of his time.  He had the salubrious honour of playing cricket for the Bunbury Cricket Club – the world’s number one celebrity cricket team. He lays claim to sharing bats with the likes of British Prime Minister John Major, Jamaican cricketer Michael Holding and European footballer Gary Lineker as well as meeting the last remaining Bee Gee.

Having discovered the joys of travelling, it was only fitting that when he returned to New Zealand to his university studies, he chose a career which would ensure more travel in the future.  Cleighten completed his Bachelor in viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University and again set off to the northern hemisphere to work vintages in France (Chambolle-Musigny), Germany (Rheingau) and Cyprus.

Returning to his hometown of Marlborough, with world class experience under his belt, Cleighten initially worked at Allan Scott as Winemaker, before joining the Mud House team in 2012.

After a decade of winemaking, Cleighten’s core focus remains unchanged, “to make the best wine possible!” He believes learning is the key, both experimentally and from others. Having a job where you only get one chance a year to perfect your art, means that winemaking remains challenging and a continual evolving process.

Cleighten and his wife Caroline are very proud of their young family (three daughters!).  He spends his time enjoying the outdoor lifestyle which is synonymous with life in the South Island of New Zealand.  Camping, fishing and playing cricket in a local “serious/social” club team, along with brewing craft beer and picking up the guitar when time permits. When you meet Cleighten you can still see the spark of the young traveller with a wicked sense of humour that once played cricket with the PM of the UK and other sporting legends.