January 21, 2004
Babich Wines: A Family Tradition in New Zealand
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"youngster" in terms of its winemaking
history, with much of the country's
grapevines planted over the past 30
years.
Babich Wines is an exception. The
company was founded in 1916 by New
Zealand wine pioneer Josip Babich.
And the company is still family owned
and run after nearly 90 years. Most
importantly, Babich wines are
consistently of high quality, delivering
satisfaction and value in a uniquely New
Zealand fashion.
I had the pleasure of visiting Babich in
March 2003 and it surely was one of the
most educational and enjoyable winery
visits I've ever experienced. I've
continued to enjoy a variety of Babich
wines since.
north of Auckland
founder. She escorted me to her brother Peter, who is the company Chairman.
Peter gave me a fabulous tour and history of the company, before delivering me to
the wine laboratory for a meeting with Joe Babich, the company's Managing Director
and former Chief WInemaker. Now all this attention from the owning family may
make it seem that Babich is a small, mom & pop operation. Family-run yes, small
absolutely not. The winery produces more than 100,000 cases annually and expects
to grow to 200,000 cases annually by 2006.
Joe proceeded to lead a stellar tasting of countless wines ranging from current
releases to some older treasures. I was impressed by the wines and somewhat
intimidated by Joe's presence. He has received multiple winemaker of the year
awards and is considered one of the top wine judges in New Zealand.
and Irongate Chardonnay, and I incorrectly assumed that
their red wines would be uninspiring. And while the
Winemaker's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2002 was in fact my
favorite of the tasting, I was very impressed with several of
the reds as well. The Winemaker's Reserve 2001 Merlot
was fruity and spicy with a bit of wood on the nose. The
Winemaker's Reserve Syrah 2001 was a lighter style Syrah
with pepper and and red berry flavors.
Babich Chardonnays -- and most New Zealand
Chardonnays -- are a pleasant departure from American
Chardonnays. They receive minimal or no oak exposure,
resulting in crisp, refreshing wines that let the fruit shine.
Babich produces four lines of wine at four
price points. This can make it somewhat
confusing for consumers, although not all
the wines are available in the U.S.
The entry-point Babich wines are varietals
from top growing regions priced at $9-$11.
Babich Winemakers' Reserve wines are
made from carefully selected grapes and
cost $14-$18. These are great wines for
most occasions.
The Irongate Vineyard is a Babich property
in Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the
North Island. A Cabernet/Merlot blend and
a Chardonnay are typically made each year
and cost $20-$23.
Babich's top line is The Patriarch, made
from the very best grapes and only in
exceptional vintages. A Patriarch
Chardonnay and Patriarch Cabernet were
last released from the 2000 vintage at
approximately $30.
Babich has released its 2003 Sauvignon
Blanc and other whites will soon be on
retail shelves. Like most New Zealand
wineries, Babich experienced a decline in
quantity and quality in the Hawke's Bay
region. As a result Irongate and Patriarch
wines will not be released from 2003. They
are excited about the Sauvignon Blanc,
Pinot Noir and Pinotage releases.
in Marlborough
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