A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A single vineyard wine from Gibbston Valley, from an excellent vintage for the sub-region. Intensely perfumed with a distinctive rose petal lift alongside ripe cherry, crushed thyme, redcurrant and rosehip …
Gibbston Valley Glenlee Pinot Noir 2016 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine – made in the Taransaud French oak ‘Ovum’ egg-shaped vessel in the Urban Winery in Napier, from Skeetfield vineyard fruit. A pale straw yellow in the …
Tony Bish ‘Zen’ Chardonnay 2018 Read More
From Martinborough fruit, and an instant hit in the WineFolio Top 10 Tasting of New Zealand Pinot Noir in July, coming in as the highest-rated 2020 wine, and an eye-opening …
Helio Pinot Noir 2020 Read More
One of three (currently) dessert wines produced by this excellent Gladstone Estate – this one the least sweet of the trio with 116g/l residual sugar. An effusive nose with lemon …
Johner Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Read More
From The Landing vineyard on the Purerua peninsula in the Bay of Islands, this Pinot Gris is a bright, light lemon-yellow in the glass. Classic varietal aromas of pear, pink …
The Landing ‘Boathouse’ Pinot Gris 2020 Read More
From Marlborough pioneers on Jacksons Road in Blenheim, a golden yellow hue in the glass. Big nose of ripe peach, pear and lemon rind with roast hazelnut and butterscotch. Deeper …
Alan Scott Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 Read More
From a single vineyard that produces just one wine – this Pinot Noir, which features on the Fine Wines of New Zealand list. An elegant nose with violet and lilac …
Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2016 Read More
A Marlborough Pinot Noir, dark ruby red in the glass. Aromas of vibrant red fruits – cherry, redcurrant, raspberry and black plum. A youthful brightness, with sassy acidity leading into …
Opawa Pinot Noir 2019 Read More
A Eskdale Chardonnay, from a label that I’ve kept an eye on since my first foray to Hawke’s Bay twenty years ago. Bright, pale lemon with a golden hue in …
Linden Estate Chardonnay 2018 Read More
Bright, dark ruby in the glass, with aromas of strawberry, sour cherry compote, redcurrant, orange rind, plum and warm baked earth. Briskly acidic, with fabulous line and length through the …
Kinross ‘The Pioneer’ Waitaki Pinot Noir 2020 Read More