A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
Pale gold in the glass. On the nose is granny smith, apricot, lime and orange peel, with a chalky minerality and a sweet almond note. Take a sip though, and …
Astrolabe ‘Grovetown Spatlese’ Riesling 2020 Read More
A new wine in the Icon series from Askerne – this one commemorates Dr John Loughlin – and the wines he crafted when owning Waimarama Estate Winery. An opaque, dark …
Askerne ‘Dr John’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot 2020 Read More
From Estate vineyards on Waiheke Island – a red blend with Merlot leading the way, with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in support. An inkily dark garnet red in …
Tantalus Estate Reserve ‘Evoque’ 2016 Read More
A big Italian wine, perfect for our Saturday night spaghetti with beef ragu. Dense claret colour in the glass, brooding and bloody. Intensely bright and aromatic on the nose, perfumed …
Poggia Civetta Chianti Classico Reserva 2016 Read More
From the Wrekin vineyard slopes, hand-picked and a portion barrel-fermented. A delicately pale green-gold colour in the glass, and with an aromatic nose that is filled with granny smith apple, …
Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc 2020 Read More
From the Nelson region, and a small family-run coastal vineyard overlooking the Tasman Sea. Brilliant pale golden yellow in the glass, with a ripe, spiced perfume of white peach, apple, …
Kina Beach Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2015 Read More
A white wine from Sicily, made from Grillo and Malvasia grapes – two Italian varieties which I have enjoyed in the past. Hazelnut, mandarin, red apple, apricot and nashi pear …
Cantine Pellegrino Diantha 2019 Read More
If you love Nebbiolo then you are probably a fan of Barbaresco, from Piedmont, the grape’s spiritual home. A lighter, brilliant and translucent carmine colour, with a radiant nose filled …
Terre da Vino Barbaresco 2016 Read More
An oldie from the cellars – from the company that planted the first Pinot Noir grapes in Martinborough, back in 1980. A deep ruby scarlet in the glass, with some …
Martinborough Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 1994 Read More
From Waiheke island – this Chardonnay now split off from the ‘Reserve’ to showcase the wild ferment side of the winemaking. Tasted alongside the 2018 ‘Reserve’ (which included this portion …
Passage Rock ‘Wild and Free’ Reserve Chardonnay 2019 Read More