A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Hawke’s Bay Syrah from 2017 – a cooler vintage. The fruit was hand harvested at 21° Brix from the Gimblett Gravels. From MS (Mass Selection) clone of Syrah the …
Sam Harrop Grand Amateur ‘Gentleman’ 2017 Read More
OK, so tonight I’ve convened a wine tasting with the theme of “100 point wines” – and this is one of them. Given a perfect score by James Suckling, which …
Terra Sancta ‘Slapjack Block’ Pinot Noir 2024 Read More
A wine from the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough. Winning a Gold medal at the London Wine Competition in 2026. Presenting a straw-green colour in the glass. The perfume is shaded …
Spy Valley Chardonnay 2024 Read More
This is actually a GSMV (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier) from Waiheke Island which enjoyed a strong Syrah vintage in 2019. Under cork. Bright, glossy, opaque ruby purple colour in the …
Stonyridge Pilgrim 2019 Read More
One of a range of excellent aromatic wines made by this family-owned and run Marlborough producer. This one comes from across the region – 53% from the Awatere Valley, 27% …
Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2023 Read More
From Bannockburn and in particular Block 3 of the Elms vineyard which has a deep bench of glacial soil interspersed with calcarious seams. 13 months in French oak barrels. Under …
Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2015 Read More
A red ‘Bordeaux Blend’ from Hawke’s Bay – with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes in the mix (I believe… details are scarce). Sealed under cork. A medium-depth …
Morton Estate ‘Mercure Grand’ 2005 Read More
A red blend from a single vineyard – the grapes sourced from the lower terrace of the Askerne vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. Carménère is a rarity in New Zealand, but …
Askerne CSM 2023 Read More
Sourced from a small 1.26-hectare block of Bordeaux clone grapes from the organic and biodynamic Churton estate in the Waihopai Valley. Hand-picked, then slow natural fermentation in oak puncheons, before …
Churton ‘Best End’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
A wine made from fruit grown on the excellent Two Terraces vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. Amy Farnsworth utilises clay amphora in her winemaking and her wines are organic, grown with …
Amoise Gamay Noir 2023 Read More