New Zealand’s Catalina flying boats played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II. The Royal New Zealand Air Force had 56 of these aircraft in operation between 1943 ad 1953, used on long-range maritime patrol and shipping escort patrols as well as air sea rescue and transport duties. Their use in maritime surveillance and search and rescue missions including a number of "mercy missions" to isolated Pacific Islands, earnt them the esteem they still hold to this day. Although no longer in service, the Catalina graces the sounds and lakes of New Zealand on special occasions, allowing people to see and fly in this aircraft and experience the unique landscape of this country. Catalina Sounds pays homage to this flying boat and the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds where it served and made it’s home.
"My goal is to make a wine that has not just intensity, but complexity and interest on the palate. I’m really looking for a wine that will evolve in the glass and open up as it is consumed, revealing a variety of flavours and textures. This 2007 Catalina Sounds is such a wine." - Ant Moore
Lightly coloured with green tinges. Initially it has a moderately intense nose of lemon, lime and hint of cut grass. As it opens up in the glass, it reveals passionfruit, pine apple, honey and melon.Given the time on lees, and the influence of oak, the palate is rounded and full, with contrast and balance being provided by the minerally edge and freshness of natural acidity. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or accompanying a variety of foods such as oysters, grilled fish or spicy thai (but serve it cold to make it more zingy), where it should not overpower, but enhance and provide balance.
