LONDON, 28th November 2013.

2014 will see the launch for PLB of a re-modelled range from New Zealand with their appointment as UK distributor for three wineries.
PLB’s Buying Director Paul Meihuizen comments: “We have been looking for the right partners to push forward with and demonstrate New Zealand’s diversity of wine styles, and we are delighted to be able to work with three of the very best. All are family-owned companies like PLB and share a similar outlook and passion to the business of wine, investing for the long term, and acting responsibly towards the environment.”

Babich Wines
With almost one hundred years of winemaking heritage, Babich have an outstanding reputation for quality and performance. Winning Gold and Silver medals at international wine shows year after year, in 2012 Babich was included in Drinks International’s Top 50 ‘World’s Most Admired Brands’. With vineyards in key areas including Henderson Valley, Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels and “red metal” triangle, and three of Marlborough’s best valleys, Babich’s viticultural expertise is based on strong sustainability credentials.

Karen Hardwick, Head of On-trade says: “Next year will see Babich’s 25th anniversary in the UK market and PLB is delighted to be able to continue the journey with them. Already well established in the on-trade and independent retail sector, Babich have a superb range of regionally different wines. Our core focus will be the Classic and Black Label ranges that retail between £12.99 and £15.99, but we’re also excited about the potential for working with the Family Estate, Reserve, Irongate and Patriarch wines as well with selected customers.”

Babich wines will be available from PLB in January 2014. See more at http://www.babichwines.co.nz

Misha’s Vineyard
In 2004 Andy and Misha Wilkinson established Misha’s Vineyard on the edge of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago – the Pinot Noir capital of New Zealand. With 26 hectares under vine, the wines are crafted by renowned winemaker Oliver “Olly” Masters, who has won the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Pinot Noir Trophy on three occasions. Misha’s Vineyard was named as one of New Zealand’s Top 20 Producers by Decanter Magazine in 2011 and in the latest IWSC results their ‘Verismo’ Pinot Noir 2010 received a Gold Outstanding award.
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PLB’s Buying Manager Neville Harris comments: “Misha and Andy have built an amazing reputation in a relatively short time, testament to their no compromise, exacting attention to quality and detail. The team at PLB are really looking forward to working with Misha’s Vineyard and their extraordinary and expressive range of Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines, which we believe are some of the best in the region, if not the whole of New Zealand.”
Misha’s Vineyard wines will be available from PLB in March 2014 and will be targeted at the premium on-trade and quality independent retail sectors, with a range of wines retailing from £20 upwards.
http://www.mishasvineyard.com Twitter @mishasvineyard Facebook: Misha’s Vineyard

Matahiwi
Located at Opaki in the Wairarapa region, Matahiwi Estate was established in 1998 by Alastair Scott, with a modern winery built to specialise in Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc production. Overseen by winemaker Jane Cooper who joined the team in 2002, Matahiwi have created an award winning range of wines under the Mount Hector and Matahiwi Estate labels, crowned by the limited release Holly range.
PLB’s Buying Manager Neville Harris, says: “Wairarapa is a wonderful wine region and has had limited exposure in the UK market, and we’re really pleased to be able to offer these sensational, balanced wines from Matahiwi to a wider audience from 2014.”
PLB will be targeting the high street specialist, online and wine led grocery sectors of the UK market for Matahiwi, with retail prices between £12.99 and £23.99.
See more at http://www.matahiwi.co.nz
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For more information or images, please contact:
Nicky Smith, PR Manager, PLB nicky.smith@plb.co.uk (m) 07884 381615