Matt Connell Wines was established in time for Vintage 2016, born out of a desire to work with and find parcels of fruit that are incredibly special to Central Otago and that could develop into the wines we love to drink. Showcasing special growers, sites, and stories to nurture and highlight, and these highly expressive wines are no exception.

This collection highlights the unique qualities of each wines respective terroirs, resulting in complex varietals with distinctive Central Otago flare.

Collection includes:

2 x Matt Connell Wines Area 45 Central Otago Viognier Rosé 2019

Awarded 94/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2020

Awarded 90/100 Points & 4 Stars:  Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

Awarded 90/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Rich yet poised, flavoursome yet elegant and refreshing, showing rockmelon, apricot and floral characters on the nose with a hint of sweet strawberry. The palate delivers excellent weight and expansive mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by silky texture and juicy acidity, making it hugely appealing. At its best: now to 2022" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2020

"Super bright appearance with an onion skin, salmon, saffron hued appearance. Aromas are Rosé classic with cold peach tea, strawberry and light red cherry scents, young fleshy, fruity and floral. On the palate - fresh, crisp, fruity, satin textured and just dry with just a whisper of sweetness. Balanced and well made, ready to enjoy from today and through 2022" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Area 45 is a new label is a one-off. Unusual and attractive rosé with vanilla, rose petal, and cherry flavours. The wine has good weight and a smooth texture with a pleasantly dry(ish) finish" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

Nose shows complex floral aromatics leading into a rich palate with flavours of apricots, white peach and nectarines. The wine is textural but with a beautiful balance that finishes dry and moreish across the palate.

Alc: 13.5%

2 x Matt Connell Single Vineyard Lowburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2019

Awarded 95/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2020

Awarded 94/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

Awarded 92/100 Points & 4 Stars: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

"It's gorgeously styled and elegantly expressed on the nose showing nectarine, fig, nougat, roasted hazelnut and vanilla characters with a hint of flinty overtone. The palate displays excellent weight and focus together with creamy texture and refined mouthfeel, brilliantly structured by bright acidity, finishing impressively long and expansive. At its best: now to 2026" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2020

"Pure, varietal and deceptively complex bouquet with aromas of white peach, pear and sweet citrus. There’s a raw cashew nut oak layer with a mild toasty wood moment alongside a flinty mineral quality. On the palate - there’s no mistaking the youth of this wine with tension and poise from the acidity, wood tannins and oak. Fruit flavours re-merge in contrast bringing together all the elements and completing the first chapter in this wine’s journey. The wine maintains its complexity, but requires some time to bring the wine into complete harmony. Well made and lengthy finish with best drinking from mid-to-late 2021 through 2028+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Silken-textured chardonnay with citrus, grapefruit, green apple, lime and subtle spicy oak, hazelnut and struck-flint flavours. A high-energy wine" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

White stone fruit notes on the nose leads into upfront fruit intensity highlighting nectarine and lemon characters that builds and lingers on the palate.  The wine is rich with fine acidity and lingering finish.

Alc: 13.5%

2 x Matt Connell Rendition Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019

Awarded Double-Gold Medal: New Zealand International Wine Show 2020

Awarded 95/100 Points & 5 Stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit Aug 2019

Awarded 94/100 Points & 4.5 Stars: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Aug 2020

Awarded 93/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Aug 2020

"Moderately concentrated pinot noir with plum, dark cherry, mocha, cocoa powder and spicy oak flavours underpinned by juicy acidity and soft tannins. The wine has an interesting savoury and dried herb edge that adds complexity" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Aug 2020

"Youthful, fresh and ripe bouquet with fruit scents of dried raspberry and cherry; mineral and vineyard scents of crushed stone and savoury dried herb moments; then mild toasty spicy oak. Complex yet young, pure yet curious. On the palate - very youthful, warm, fruity, tense and varietal. Flavours of red berries, red plum, cherry then tannins and acidity. Tannins are firm with oak and fruit contributions, acidity is medium+ an the core is varietal. There’s a very nice seam of purity and elegance with a floral and mineral tease that will develop as this wine takes on more bottle-age and is allowed to come into a state of harmony. Lengthy finish and well made. Best drinking from early 2022 through 2026" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Aug 2020

"Combining richness with grace, this stunning pinot shows dark cherry, spiced plum, thyme and toasted nut characters with a hint of dark mushroom complexity. The palate displays outstanding concentration and depth, while remaining elegant and harmonious. Splendidly structured by refined tannins, finishing superbly long and engaging. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2020

The nose shows a nice blend of darker fruit notes supported by violet florals and mocha. The palate is complex with good concentration, spice and a long and integrated finish.

Alc: 14%