Lime Rock Wines

Lime Rock Wines (Waipawa)

Lime Rock Wines is a small boutique winery in Central Hawke’s Bay, located on limestone hills about 6 km west of Waipawa (roughly 40 km southwest of Hastings). The vineyard sits on north-facing slopes at 230–270 metres elevation, with free-draining limestone soils that contain three-million-year-old oyster fossils. These soils and the elevated site give the wines distinctive mineral character, concentration and elegance.

It was established around 2000–2001 by Rodger Tynan (a vit-ecologist) and Rosie Butler (winemaker). They follow an ecological, low-intervention approach with minimal soil disturbance, and fruit is hand-picked.

The small vineyard (around 8–10 hectares) specialises in Pinot Noir (including a top-tier “White Knuckle Hill” from the steepest slope in exceptional years), along with Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The wines are known for purity, balance, fine tannins and a sense of place. Several have received strong critical praise, including high scores from Michael Cooper and inclusion of the 2009 Pinot Noir in Jancis Robinson’s Top 100 reds list.

Visiting / Buying  If the cellar door is closed. Wine can be ordered for pickup from 22 Abbotsford Road, Waipawa. Contact: phone 06 857 8235 or 021 779 830, email wine@limerock.co.nz, website limerock.co.nz.

Lime Rock is a true single-vineyard, family-run producer that highlights the potential of Central Hawke’s Bay limestone for elegant, site-driven wines.