Bryan and Jan Johnson established the first of their 380 acres of estate vineyards in 1993. Pioneering what was then a Marlborough sub region, the Johnsons’ Lower Waihopai development continued, with the fruit being grown and sold to other wine companies. In 2000, they began producing and selling wine under the Spy Valley label, its name derived from a nearby satellite communications monitoring station (or spy base).
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Recent Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines awardee. The tried and true of the range. Partially naturally fermented in older oak and the rest in stainless steel. We should all be buying this wine to drink now and buying more to witness it gracefully age. Passionfruit, sweet lime, pea shoots.
Scores
2022 Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition (GOLD) - October 2022
2022 Winestate Magazine 91 - September 2022
2021 Cameron Douglas, MS 94 - March 2022
Easy Tiger
Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Low Brix and low alcohol. 9.5%. Grapes are grown in Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys on alluvial soils. Partially undergoes malolactic fermentation for texture. All stainless steel. Green apple, ginger, crisp.
Scores
TBA
Satellite Sauvignon Blanc
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
We are all Satellites drifting around a beautiful planet. A blend of three valleys with alluvial soils rich in silt loams and gravel. All stainless steel. Pear, stone fruit, layered.
Scores
2022 Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition (GOLD) - October 2022
Spy Valley Chardonnay
Waihopa Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A blend of two estate single vineyards: Waihopai and Omaka Valleys. Stony free draining soils and clay/loess over gravel, respectively. Mostly naturally fermented and then aged in neutral barrels on the lees. Ripe lemon, cashew, cream.
Scores
2015 Wine Spectator 90 - May 2019
2015 The Wine Front 90 - September 2018
Spy Valley Riesling
Waihopa Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A single vineyard wine. Grapes are hand harvested in 8 different passings and then naturally fermented in older oak and stainless steel. Dry. Nectarine, lemon pith, white pepper.
Scores
TBA
Spy Valley Gewurztraminer
Waihopai Valley - Omaka Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A single vineyard in Waihopai Valley. Harvested in the cool of the morning and then left on the skins overnight. Naturally fermented and larger, neutral oak barrels. Mango, nutmeg, vibrant.
Scores
TBA
Spy Valley Pinot Noir
Waihopai Valley - Omaka Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Planted adjacent to the Chardonnay and also a blend of two single vineyards. Naturally fermented and aged in neutral French oak. Maraschino cherry, earth, clove.
Scores
2017 Vinous 91 - March 2021
2015 Wine Enthusiast 90 - December 2018
E Block Sauvignon Blanc
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
Not just a single vineyard, but a single block. Johnson Vineyard E Block in Waihopai Valley. Planted in 1995. Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral barrels. Citrus flower, green melon, elegance.
Scores
2021 Decanter World Wine Awards 90 - July 2021
Envoy Johnson Vineyard Pinot Noir
Lower Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Harvest & Vintage Notes
A single block planted on clay and silty loam over alluvial gravels. Fermented in open top casks and then aged in neutral barrel for about 16 months. Cranberry, anise, spice.
Scores
2014 Wine Enthusiast 90 - May 2018
2014 Bob Campbell 95 - July 2017