C J Pask is arguably one of the finest producers of merlot in Australasia. This wine shows the rich plummy fruits expressive of this variety, along with soft, full texture and silky, velvet tannins. Described by Winestate magazine as `showing some savoury, earthy complexity, this is a firm, slightly nutty and spicy wine.` Oak maturation has been for approximately 13 months, and this Merlot will continue to develop in the bottle.

In the late 1970's, top dressing pilot Chris Pask, flying over the stony land west of Hastings, watched farmers struggle as one crop after another failed in the hot, arid terrain. The land beneath him was the old Ngaruroro riverbed, which had been exposed in a massive flood 100 years earlier.

"Grapes would do well there" thought Chris, and he could not have been more correct! The previously barren land is today the internationally recognised Gimblett Gravels region approximately 800 hectares in size.

The very first of these vines were planted by Chris Pask. The cabernet sauvignon grapes that were planted in 1981 launched CJ Pask Winery and led the way for the eventual acquisition of nearly 100 hectares of vineyard at Gimblett Road. Most falls within the boundaries of the registered Gimblett Gravels sub region and are almost totally devoted to producing red varieties that thrive so well in the hot gravels.

The first vintages were considered outstanding, both in fruit flavour intensity and colour, and since then the winery has gone from strength to strength producing intensely flavoured wines that have earnt both domestic and international acclaim consistently.

Award winning winemaker Kate Radburnd joined CJ Pask Winery in 1991 after seven years with Vidal Wine Estate in Hastings. In 1993 Kate became a shareholder in the business and was appointed to the position of Managing Director in 1999. In addition, successful Wellington businessman John Benton broadened his business interests to include the winery in 1999.

The practical skills of Chris Pask, the technical expertise of Kate Radburnd, and the financial and strategic capabilities of John Benton, CJ Pask Winery is well positioned to grow and produce outstanding wines for the world to enjoy.