Mills Reef Winery
Mills Reef, now known as Leveret & Mills Reef Winery after a merger with Leveret Estate in August 2020 are a well a highly regarded independent and family owned winery based in Katikati.
![Mills Reef Winery](/content/images/size/w2000/2022/07/CampbellBrook_Vineyard_Harvest_2.jpg)
Mills Reef, now known as Leveret & Mills Reef Winery after a merger with Leveret Estate in August 2020 are a well a highly regarded independent and family owned winery based in Katikati. Mills Reef's winemakers take a boutique approach to winemaking by controlling the entire process – from grafting their own cuttings, to developing their own vineyards and viticultural techniques, and investing in new technology.
With over 900 medals and 30 trophies in national and international competitions, along with twice being recipient of The New Zealand Winemaker of the Year Award, Mills Reef are one of New Zealand’s leading Gimblett Gravels and Hawke’s Bay wine brands.
They are a part of The Wine Portfolio, a collection of 16 brands with brands such as Falconhead, Coniglio & The Regent. The heart of the business, the Winery and Cellar Door, is located in Aongatete – just north of Tauranga.
They own Vineyards in Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels & Marlborough. Each with their own history, flavour profile and unique style of winemaking.
Their Origins
Mills Reef Winery was established in 1989 by the Preston family. Through commitment and dedication to excellence, the Mills Reef brand has established itself as one of New Zealand's premium labels with a particular reputation for outstanding Bordeaux varietal reds and Syrah.
"Mills Reef Winery is proud to be a fully-accredited member of Sustainable Wine New Zealand, which embraces key principles that safeguard the environment, both in the vineyard and throughout the winemaking process. All of our practices acknowledge the importance of judicious use of energy resources and careful management of waste products." - Mills Reef
![Paul Dawick, Chief Winemaker, Leveret & Mills Reef Winery](https://millsreef.co.nz/content/images/2022/07/DSC03039-scaled-e1625720292948-685x800.jpg)
Mills Reef Chief Winemaker: Paul Dawick
After his return from overseas like many others at The Wine Portfolio, Paul initially began working on a BA before realising that his true calling lay in wine. In hindsight, for someone who grew up around vineyards in Hawkes Bay, it seemed like a no-brainer. On his days off, apart from spending time with the family, he relaxes by reading, cycling and walking his dog.
Paul Dawick, who has been with the Mills Reef brand for 26 years, says people will be amazed by the variety.
“From our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris right through to bubbles and Viognier. From the elegant Pinot Noir’s and Syrah’s through to the bigger bolder Bordeaux varieties, there is definitely a wine in our cellar door for everyone.”
Paul, who is originally from Hawke’s Bay, has been around the winemaking scene for most of his life. He was working at the Mission Estate in 1988 when Cyclone Bola hit.
“We had grapes in trucks coming in from all around Hawke’s Bay. There were some heartbroken winemakers. We worked non-stop because the trucks kept coming. The circumstances were difficult, but I could see this vibe, energy and creativity around wine. I knew I had to learn more about it.”
In 1995 Paul made the move to the Bay of Plenty and to Mills Reef Winery. He now works with a team of Winemakers at Leveret & Mills Reef Winery that he calls diverse and creative.
“We come together and put our ideas forward; there’s a full balance of skilled palates to pick up the full flavours of the wine.”
Leveret & Mills Reef Winery’s grapes are grown in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough and the finishing is done at the winery. Paul says there is a lot of both creativity and science that goes into winemaking and it starts in the vineyard and at fermentation.
“This is a labour of love. All the winemakers and the team love what we’re doing. It’s not just a glass of wine, there’s a lot of passion in every bottle.”
Mills Reef's Wines
![Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2016 Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon](https://millsreef.co.nz/content/images/2022/07/MRW00010-1.jpg)
Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2016 Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon
Double Gold Medal - China Wine and Spirits Awards
Gold Medal - Six Nations Wine Tasting 2019
4.5 Stars - Cuisine Magazine
This Really is top notch stuff, Velvety, Structured and Ripeness.....delicious
Winery Note
"This opulent Cabernet Sauvignon, with its dark brooding presence, exudes distinctive blackcurrant character, laced with aniseed and mocha. Silky smooth tannins and ageing in quality oak contribute poise, structure and length. A distinguished wine, it is eminently enjoyable now or to greatly reward cellaring."
![Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2018 Elspeth Syrah](https://millsreef.co.nz/content/images/2022/07/MRW00008.jpg)
Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2018 Elspeth Syrah
Top Notch, Top vintage!
This superb Syrah from the exceptional vintage brims with intense flavour and complexity, displaying luscious boysenberry, white pepper spice and liquorice, on a beautifully integrated and refined palate. Eminently drinkable now, it will also greatly reward cellaring for longer term enjoyment.
Deservedly, this label has reached “Classic NZ Wine” status by NZ wine critic Michael Cooper. “To qualify for selection, each label must have achieved an outstanding level of quality for at least three vintages; there are no flashes in the pan here.” Only 5 other NZ Syrah producers in NZ hold this status.
This superb Syrah from the exceptional vintage brims with intense flavour and complexity, displaying luscious boysenberry, white pepper spice and liquorice, on a beautifully integrated and refined palate. Eminently drinkable now, it will also greatly reward cellaring for longer term enjoyment.
![](https://millsreef.co.nz/content/images/2022/07/MRW00013.jpg)
Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2020 Elspeth Chardonnay
4 Stars - The Wine Writer (2019 vintage)
"Hand harvested grapes were fermented with a combination of wild and inoculated yeasts to add complexity and show the vineyard’s unique terroir. Aged in French oak, of which 32% was new, for a period of 12 months. Medium gold in colour with intense aromas of stone fruit, apple, juicy grapefruit, smoky oak with a trace of flint and a touch of sweet vanilla. The palate is powerful and concentrated with a creamy texture. The flavours of white peach, just ripe apricot and floral notes blend perfectly with the oak derived spices to make a powerful but structured Chardonnay."
Big League
This outstanding single vineyard Chardonnay from Gimblett Gravels has striking intensity, complexity and balance. It bursts with tropical peach and cashew notes, with an influence of wild yeast character, complemented with a judicious seasoning of toasty oak, and a creamy texture.
100% malolactic fermentation to develop an enhanced and softened texture. A portion was allowed to maintain diacetyl levels for richness and then aged in quality 100% French oak (32% new) for 12 months sur lie, with frequent stirring to release important flavour components.
Already delicious, it continue to evolve and delight with cellaring.
Where can you buy Mills Reef?
Mills Reef wines are aviable to buy at major supermakets, Countdown & New World as well as online from a number of stores.