A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
Time rolls around to another release day of the latest single vineyard (and Estate) Chardonnays from Kumeu River. After impeccable vintages in first 2019 and then the stellar 2020 – …
Kumeu River Chardonnays 2021 Read More
I adore sherry. Spending a third of my adult life in Bristol, UK – home to Harveys Wine who were historically one of the biggest importers of the wine from …
Williams & Humbert ‘Don Guido’ Pedro Ximénez Sherry Read More
One thing I’ve had a couple of requests to comment on, and write about, is ageing of wines – in particular the question of “how well, or long, can the …
Fromm Clayvin Chardonnay – 2010 & 2020 vintages Read More
This label is based in the Waikato, making wines by Lake Karapiro – but has made its reputation with a wine from Central Otago. The 2014 vintage of this wine …
Takapoto Estate Pinot Noirs: 2015 – 2016 – 2019 Read More
From the lower terrace at Askerne, in Hawke’s Bay comes this Bordeaux style red blend, from the excellent COVID-hit vintage of 2020. Very dark, inky claret colour in the glass. …
Askerne Reserve Merlot-Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Read More
From the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough. Very pale green-straw, with pink/grey edges, in the glass. Lovely aromatic wine, showing a spicy nose that has classic Pinot Gris notes of apple …
Leefield Station Pinot Gris 2021 Read More
Taking fruit from a premium coastal site in Te Awanga to produce their Reserve Chardonnay. A pale gold in the glass, with a rich nose filled with peach and tropical …
Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Read More
From a coastal site at Te Awanga in Hawke’s Bay. Pale lemon-green in the glass, and a steely freshness on the nose. A flinty reductivity, mandarin, apple caramel, baguette crust, …
Clearview Estate Three Rows Chardonnay 2020 Read More
A wine from Waiheke Island, from pioneers Kim and Jeanette Goldwater who started making wine on the island in 1978. Opened after 31 years in the bottle. A mid-garnet ruby …
Goldwater Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 1991 Read More
A Marlborough wine from the Southern Valleys sub-region, and winner of a Gold Medal at NZIWS this year. A dark ruby in the glass, with bright aromatics of cherry, blackcurrant, …
Mount Riley 17 Valley Pinot Noir 2019 Read More