A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay – from one of the region’s premier vineyards and the local ‘Chardonnay expert’ producer (it’s all he makes). A vibrant lemon-green hue in the glass. A …
Tony Bish Skeetfield Chardonnay 2016 Read More
Starting off 2023 with a selection of new stuff to try from Laithwaites. The last year was punctuated by these ace boxes of discovery, and I’m more than happy to …
New Year, new box from Laithwaites! Read More
A wine from Hawke’s Bay, in a vintage that will be remembered for COVID-19 but also for its excellent quality. A bright copper-yellow in the glass, with aromatics that reflect …
The Hunting Lodge Oak-spoken Chardonnay 2020 Read More
Made from Waiheke and Ponui Islands fruit – a Bordeaux style blend with a swag of Cabernet Franc plus Malbec, Merlot and a little Petit Verdot. Dark and brooding in …
Man O’ War Island Blend 2019 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine – mostly from the Howard’s Vineyard on the old tidal estuary at Bay View. A very pale gold colour with an exhuberant, flinty aroma filled with …
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Read More
Sherry, from Jerez in Spain, of course – and Pedro Ximénez is typically one of the darkest and sweetest styles. This one a winner os so many awards, including the …
Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio Read More
A deep, dark claret red in the glass, with a lovely pop of boysenberry, plum, smoky white wood, raspberry, black pepper, cloves and cocoa on the nose. Lighter than I …
St Hugo Barossa Shiraz 2018 Read More
Made by Duncan Savage, using a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, plus smaller amounts of Clairette Blanc and Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape in South Africa. Delicately aromatic, …
Savage White 2015 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine, another beauty from the winning 2019 vintage. Crisp and bright – a green-lemon colour, with a shy but elegant nose. Pure and clean notes of white …
Zaria Chardonnay 2019 Read More
A dense ruby-purple colour in the glass. Varietally pure aromatics, with black cherry, bramble, raspberry, cinnamon, hazelnut, damson plum and a lift of violet florals on the nose. The core …
Rockburn ‘The Art’ Pinot Noir 2021 Read More