A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Malbec from Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Varietally true, showing an inky purple colour in the glass. Perfumed with dark plum, bay leaf, cheese rind, tobacco, bramble, cacao nib …
The Islander ‘The Independence’ 2016 Read More
In the glass this is a pale straw colour, slightly greener at the edges. Vibrant aromatics, with lemon peel, red apple, grapefruit, nectarine and almond. Racy acidity gives good drive …
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2017 Read More
A light, vibrant tone of ruby red in the glass, with enticing aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, white pepper, vanilla and blood orange. Medium bodied – showing plenty of personality – …
D’Arenberg ‘The Custodian’ McLaren Vale Grenache 2019 Read More
A pale green-straw colour in the glass, with prickly, zesty aromatics of mandarin, blanched almond, lime, dried peach and lemon blossom. A lightness of touch and an initial song of …
Kusuda Riesling 2021 Read More
A new release from Rockburn with a focus on specific sites or clones within the vineyard. As winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis says “All grapes are picked. Not all are chosen”. Both …
Rockburn ‘The Chosen’ Pinot Noirs of 2021 Read More
A return to one of my wines of the year from 2021 – a Chardonnay that has ranked amongst my favourite New Zealand versions since the introduction of this single …
Church Road 1 Chardonnay 2021 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay blend of Chardonnay from their vineyards plus some Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc from Maraekakaho – banged together to make an ideal crisp summer white – something …
Village Vineyards Sunset Pool 2021 Read More
Made from what seems like quite exotic varietals to us in New Zealand – Cinsault, Sangiovese and Sagrantino, and with one of those creatively crazy D’Arenberg names on the label. …
D’Arenberg Stephanie the Gnome with Rose coloured glasses 2021 Read More
A single-variety wine from Hawke’s Bay, grown in their stony, sandy river terrace vineyard. Showing good varietal typicity, with that ‘Franc funk’ smoky and earthy character to the fore. A …
Askerne Cabernet Franc 2021 Read More
If you haven’t seen these two articles in conversation recently with Simon Swa and Hugh Crichton at Elephant Hill, do have a look – https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=6609 and https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=6400. The company is …
Elephant Hill ‘Stone’ Syrah, Merlot & Cabernet Franc Read More