CJ PASK BACKS DOWN

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Bob Campbell MW

New Zealand winemaker CJ Pask has recalled its 2000 Roy's Hill Sauvignon Blanc after complaints that the label was misleading. Although the words "Hawke's Bay" and "Gimblett Road" feature prominently on the label, the fine print reveals that the wine is made from 95% Chilean Sauvignon and 5% New Zealand Semillon. CJ Pask winemaker Kate Radburnd announced that the wine would be re-labelled. "The new label will not make any reference to Hawke's Bay and will place greater emphasis on the countries of origin," she said. Adding to the confusion is the fact that CJ Pask had already produced a 2000 Roy's Hill Sauvignon Blanc made entirely from New Zealand grapes. Radburnd explained that she had produced 5,500 cases of the 2000, but a low crop the following year meant that she was unable to make a Roy's Hill Sauvignon Blanc from the 2001 vintage. To keep the brand alive she imported bulk Sauvignon Blanc from Chile and blended it with New Zealand Semillon. However, apart from the fine print showing the country(ies) of origin, the labels on the 2000 and 2001 wines are identical. Around 4,600 cases of the imported Sauvignon Blanc were made. Neither wine was exported.

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