Clos Ostler

38 MILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING

The ‘secret’ to this unique wine lies in an ancient geological faulting process which occurred in the South Island’s Waitaki Valley.

A 38 million year old seabed was raised into a north facing limestone slope overlooking the braided Waitaki River. A temperate summer season with prolonged autumn warmth allows the grapes to ripen slowly. Close to the 45° parallel we produce fruit with ideal parameters to make classic single vineyard wines – wines whose complexity and concentration express the true characteristics of their terroir.

PLACE

The beautiful but challenging environment of the Waitaki makes it difficult for the vine growers but wonderful for the winemakers. The story of Clos Ostler began in earnest 38 million years ago when geological forces drove an ancient limestone seabed upwards forming the building blocks of the modern Waitaki Valley in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Today, the valley is home to one of New Zealand’s unique wine growing climates – one that sits close to the margins of vine growing.

The poor soils force the vines to grow deep. The powerful winds and cool climate allow the grapes to ripen slowly, retaining acidity despite the warm daytime sun. This stressing of the vines means they are low in vigour, producing grapes low in yield, but high in flavour, complexity and concentration. The Clos offers a range of altitude, soil types and microclimates. Coupled with varying Pinot Noir clones producing some of the most complex and nuanced wines known to New Zealand of a distinctive style that are a true reflection of this unique site.

CLOS OSTLER

Clos Ostler was founded by Waitaki pioneers Jim Jerram and winemaker Jeff Sinnott, who discovered a prime vineyard site in 1998, reminiscent of Burgundy’s slopes. They planted Pinot Noir

in 2002 and Pinot Gris, praising the site as “one of the most viticulturally significant soils in New Zealand.” In 2021, new custodians took over, dedicated to enhancing the vineyard and brand to “polish the diamond” that is Clos Ostler. Located in the Waitaki Valley near Duntroon, the property features an 8-hectare vineyard producing the estate-famous Caroline’s Pinot Noir and Audrey’s Pinot Gris. The block, with its easy rolling hills and rocky limestone outcrops, lies predominantly to the north and is planted in four north-south rows. Clos Ostler’s Caroline’s Pinot Noir has been awarded gold at the London International Wine Challenge for six consecutive years, among other accolades. Clos Ostler wines are celebrated for their depth and complexity, reflecting the unique characteristics of the site.

In 2024, an additional 1.5 hectares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were acquired, ensuring that Clos Ostler maintains its ‘Monopole’ status.