Reviews

I think that readers will know the story by now. I was approached by Laithwaites – the longest-running ‘wine subscription service’ in the world, to review their offerings, and once …

Laithwaites June 2024 box of delights Read More

A red blend from Hawke’s Bay – using Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. An inkily dark crimson colour in the glass. Boysenberry, cassis, cherry and damson plum are dusted …

Clearview Enigma 2021 Read More

A red wine from Hawke’s Bay, blending Merlot from Te Awanga with Malbec from the Gimblett Gravels. A deep claret red colour in the glass, with cherry, plum, mint, blueberry …

Ka Tahi ‘The One’ Merlot-Malbec 2021 Read More

A single vineyard wine bordering the old Air Strip on Waiheke Island. Made from 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, in a vintage described by the producers …

Dunleavy ‘The Strip’ 2020 Read More

An aromatic white wine from Hawke’s Bay. The colour of pale gold in the glass. The perfume shows apricot, peach, citrus, honey, almond and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied …

Topsy Turvey Viognier 2020 Read More

A Pinot Noir from Wanaka – some of the oldest vines in Central Otago. An opaque burgundy in the glass. Perfumed with plum, woody herbs, red cherry, lilac florals and …

Rippon Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir 2017 Read More

A red blend from Hawke’s bay – 70% Carménère, 12% Syrah, 10% Malbec and 8% Mourvèdre, with every batch fermented as individual varieties followed by extended post-maceration on skins. A …

Askerne CSM 2022 Read More

A well-regarded example of an off-dry Riesling – winning the Trophy for Champion Riesling at The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa, and a Gold Medal at NZIWS 2023. Very pale …

Maude East Block Riesling 2023 Read More

An opportunity to re-visit a wine that was my ‘Red Wine of the Year’ for the 2019 vintage. It is the top wine from Destiny Bay – a Waiheke Island …

Destiny Bay ‘Magna Praemia’ 2020 Read More