Collection: Lawsons Dry Hills
History Lawson's Dry Hills was founded in 1988 by Ross and Barbara Lawson in Marlborough, New Zealand, during the region's nascent modern winemaking era. The couple, with Ross as a viticulturist and Barbara handling administration, planted their first 10 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay on a windswept site in the Wairau Valley, selected for its free-draining soils. The first vintage was produced in 1991, with early acclaim for their crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Ross passed away in 2008, but Barbara and their children, including winemaker Simon Lawson, continue the legacy. The estate expanded to 35 hectares and now produces around 250,000 cases annually, establishing itself as a Marlborough pioneer.
Viticulture Philosophy Lawson's Dry Hills manages 35 hectares across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris on alluvial gravel and clay-loam soils. The philosophy emphasizes sustainable practices certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, with low yields (6-8 tons/ha), precision irrigation, and canopy management to optimize sunlight and airflow. The dry, windy conditions of Marlborough inspire the winery's name, promoting concentrated fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Biodiversity initiatives include native plantings and reduced chemical use to enhance terroir expression and resilience.
Winemaking Techniques Under winemaker Simon Lawson, the estate employs cool fermentation with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatics, particularly for Sauvignon Blanc, which sees no oak influence for vibrant, herbaceous profiles. Chardonnay undergoes partial barrel fermentation (20-30% in French oak) with lees stirring for texture and complexity. Pinot Noir is hand-harvested, fermented in open-top fermenters with indigenous yeasts, and aged in French oak (25% new) for 10-12 months to develop structure and spice. Minimal intervention ensures fresh, elegant wines with precise blending from multiple parcels.
Critics and Journalist Praises Lawson's Dry Hills is renowned for its consistent quality and value. The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc earned 93 points from James Suckling, praised for its “passionfruit, lime, and grassy” vibrancy with “crisp finish.” Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2022 Chardonnay 92 points, noting its “citrus, peach, and subtle oak” harmony. Bob Campbell MW lauded the Pinot Noir for its “cherry, earth, and silky tannins,” scoring 94 points. Critics highlight the estate's “benchmark Marlborough style,” with multiple 5-star ratings from Halliday's Wine Companion for elegance and food-friendliness.
