‘Domaine Thomson Wines’ are dedicated to growing and producing exceptional single vineyard Pinot Noir in Central Otago. They have 14 hectares of biodynamic vineyard on elevated, sloping terraces in Lowburn, known for their frost-resistant, warm microclimate and free-draining soils. ‘Domaine Thomson’ is a New Zealand-based winery with one vision, but split over two hemispheres with a sister vineyard on the other side of the world in Gevrey Chambertin, France.
Planted in 2000, the first release of the Pinot Noir was in 2003. The vineyard itself is a mixture of Davis and Dijon clones. The estate is owned by David Hall-Jones and his wife, PM, and they have a close-knit team with one common focus; that focus is creating outstanding Pinot Noir from the old and new wine world. They combine certain Old World Winemaking techniques but with the New World flair.
‘Domaine Thomson’ named their Pinot Noir “The Explorer” as there is a very rich history to where the name comes from. The history of the name stems from David’s family; he is a descendant of John Turnbull Thomson, widely known as Mr Surveyor Thomson - an explorer who had humble beginnings in England in 1821 and spent most of his life surveying and mapping out Malaysia and Singapore. He made his way to New Zealand where upon having his “surveying” skills recognised, he became the country’s first Surveyor-General, in whose honour these wines are named. He was always known for his key sense of ‘exploration’.
To find out more about Domaine Thomson and their wines visit their website here.