Reviews

One of my big discoveries of the last couple of years, and led by this particular wine, is Central Otago Chardonnay. Revisiting the 2019 vintage of this, after falling in …

Maude Chardonnay 2019 Read More

My first try of this Syrah, made from a couple of vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay by NZ Wine Hall-of-Famer and all-round New Zealand wine legend, Kate Radburnd. Now focussing …

Radburnd Cellars Syrah 2018 Read More

A classic combination of two Bordeaux varieties, and in many ways, a typical Hawke’s Bay red with the merlot a touch dominant over the inky Malbec spine. Gimblett Gravels fruit …

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2018​ Read More

Bright lemon-yellow, greening at the edges. Crisp and fresh citrus is joined with aromas of pear and peach with a smokey flintiness. Concentrated fruit on the palate – nectarine and …

Te Awa Single Estate Chardonnay 2018 Read More

From organic vineyards in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys – rare to see a wine labelled so overtly ‘organic’ in big lettering across the label. Fair play to Giesen for a push …

Giesen Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 Read More

Returning to the subject of Hayden Penny’s ‘Organised Chaos’ wines – this Chardonnay from Hawke’s bay fruit is a brilliant lemon-green colour in the glass. The nose sparkles with a …

Organised Chaos Chardonnay 2019 Read More

Bright lemon-green in the glass, with lively aromas of pear, jasmine and cloves. Vibrant, concentrated fruit flavours – first fresh lychee and white peach, then baked apple crumble and ginger. Intense …

Quartz Reef Pinot Gris 2019 Read More

A bright pale green-yellow in the glass. Hugely aromatic – lots of kerosene, lime zest and white flowers on the nose. Juicy fruits in a vibrant palette – red apple, grapefruit …

Charles Wiffen Riesling 2013 Read More

A new Chenin from Esk Valley – it’s been seven years since the last one in 2013! From a new site – the Two Terraces vineyard we’ve featured elsewhere on …

Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Chenin Blanc 2019 Read More