A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From a couple of vineyards in the Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels sub-regions of Hawke’s bay. A bright pale gold in the glass, with equaly bright aromatics of nectarine, muesli, …
Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2019 Read More
Delighted to get to try this much-lauded wine from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay in it’s new livery, with a classy gloss-black on matt-black stony motif – looking as …
Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2021 Read More
From a combination of vineyards that Mahi work with in Marlborough. A complex nose that starts with a reductive waft of smoky struck match, underlined with white peach, lemon balm, …
Mahi Chardonnay 2021 Read More
From North Otago – a wine that Grant Taylor describes as ‘our Chardonnay is my favourite Valli’. A pale green-straw yellow in the glass; with complex, youthful aromas of lemon …
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 Read More
From the annual collaboration project – this vintage in 2018 with Ben McNab making the wine with Gabrielle and Braden Crosby of OGS as vignerons. Noticeably light in colour – …
On Giants Shoulders ‘The Collaborator’ Pinot Noir 2018 Read More
A single vineyard white, from the excellent Two Terraces vineyard in Mangatahi – good to see Gordon Russell continuing with this variety, a signature wine of his. Palest lemon-green in …
Esk Valley Chenin Blanc 2021 Read More
From 40-year-old Cinsault bush vines, with a touch of Syrah, from Darling, South Africa. Wonderfully perfumed, with cranberry, cherry, rose petal, redcurrant, white pepper, cassia and violet florals. The palate …
Duncan Savage ‘Follow the Line’ 2016 Read More
From a limestone-soiled hillside vineyard in Wairarapa – whole bunch pressed and aged in old oak. Varietally pure aromatics of crisp, ripe pear, satsuma peel, red apple, jasmine, lychee and …
B.wine Pinot Gris 2021 Read More
From the launch of these wines mid-week, to reviewing them tonight, the difference and yet family resemblance has been on my mind. The Thomson’s Block is a serious contender although …
Trinity Hill – Homage ‘19 and Thomson’s Block ‘20 Syrahs Read More
Unusually, a wine made from fruit grown in Waikato, at the Estate vineyards by Lake Karapiro. A classic example of Cabernet Franc, with the signature ‘franc funk’ evident on the …
Takapoto Estate Crossing Point ‘The Red’ 2018 Read More