Meadowbank Estates:
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Meadowbank Estates is a sales division of Empson USA Inc. devoted
to the wines of New Zealand and Australia.

In 1852, on the South Island of New Zealand, Neil Empson's great grandfather, Charles Empson, planted some of the first vineyards in the Marlborough region on a farm known as "Meadowbank." Neil Empson himself was born in the famous agricultural district of Waikato in 1939 and educated at Auckland's Sacred Heart College. His gentleman farmer forebears passed on a legacy of respect for the soil and dedication to excellence. The charisma, humor and unique talent for understanding fine wine were his own.

Neil Empson has always been connected to his "Kiwi" roots and Meadowbank Estates represents his commitment to import the finest offerings from his native country, along with great estates from Australia. He has carefully cultivated a portfolio inclusive of only the top estates and winemakers from each region.

New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles, grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain.

Mirroring his philosophy and commitment to New Zealand, Neil Empson has hand- selected our Australian portfolio, focusing on regional Shiraz. From Barossa Valley, Neil Empson and famed winemaker Dean Hewitson formed a joint venture to create an old vine Shiraz (vines are 75+ years old). Canonbah Bridge and Rams Leap wines are from New South Wales (i.e. the Outback), Final Cut Shiraz from Langhorne Creek and Red House SGM from both the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale region. This portfolio represents quality wines from both Australia and New Zealand that are unrivaled in the wine industry today.