From CUISINE WINE ANNUAL 2003

2003
by Bob Campbell MW
Ruud Maasdam and Dorien Vermaas moved from their native Holland to a new life as Marlborough winemakers. Their label is chistened after the title of Abel Tasmen's map of New Zealand. Staete Landt means 'new land'.
Both are perfectionists with a clear vision of the sort of wines they hoped to make.
Their 21-hectare vineyard is divided into 18 separate parcels, each of which has been carefully matched with a particular grape variety and rootstock. In order of planting area, the four varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
The wines reflect the care and attention that have been lavished on them. The 2001 vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris (the Pinot Noir was not bottled when I visited the winery) are an outstanding trio of wines. They all have intense flavours, impressive complexity and silken textures.
Visit the cellar door to meet two of the region's most dynamic wine producers and taste the product of their passion.