Chicago wine importer Marquis Savage fell in love with Central Otago on what was meant to be a quick tour of the region. Falling in love meant purchasing 24 hectares in the Cromwell basin, which were subsequently planted with clones specific to soil type and in accordance with biodynamic principles. Enlisted to help in this task was Ted Lemon of Littorai, who brought with him more than three decades of practical knowledge of terroir winegrowing based on experience in Burgundy, California and Oregon. Ted continues to define the path of the wines, whose reputation has justly spread far and wide - and fast. Claire Mullholland, formerly of Martinborough Vineyards and Amisfield, takes care of the day-to-day winemaking duties.
