A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From Cairnmuir Road in Bannockburn. Pale lemon-green in the glass, with an elegant nose fragranced with succulent mandarin, blanched almond, lime, apple, ginger and elderflower. Zesty acidity is focussed, intense, …
Ceres ‘Black Rabbit’ Riesling 2017 Read More
From the exceptional Two Terraces vineyard in Mangatahi, Hawke’s Bay, comes a hard-to-find Chenin Blanc. Described as ‘artisanal wine’ on their website, I’d definitely say this leans in the ‘natural’ …
Amoise Chenin Blanc 2020 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine, from the excellent but COVID-hit vintage. An aromatic nose of peach, grapefruit, apple, lemon peel, apricot and baking spice. Medium bodied, with integrated acidity and oak …
Haha Chardonnay 2020 Read More
From hillside vineyards across the Estate, comes this well-regarded Bordeaux-style blend of (this year) two-thirds Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon in supporting roles. Inkily ruby-black …
Man O’ War ‘Ironclad’ 2018 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine, from the coastal vineyards at Te Awanga. Palest lemon-green in the glass, with a burst of fresh citrus on the nose – lemon, grapefruit pith, white …
Elephant Hill ‘Sea’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Read More
Riesling from the home block vineyard at Bay View in Hawke’s Bay. Very pale straw yellow in the glass with a pure, youthful nose filled with citrus aromas of orange …
Crab Farm Riesling 2020 Read More
An unusual variety to be found growing in New Zealand – the backbone of the great Italian Barolo and Barbarescos but, of course, Hans Herzog has some! From their organic, …
Hans Herzog Nebbiolo 2013 Read More
A Pinot Noir from Te Muna Road in Martinborough – Pinot country! A deep crimson in the glass, with cranberry, bramble, cloves, pepper and a violet, rose petal floral lift …
Big Sky Pinot Noir 2018 Read More
From vineyards in Kumeu, West Auckland, and the excellent 2019 vintage. Intensely aromatic, with orange peel, white peach, ginger, greengage and honeysuckle on the nose. A bright acidity with just …
Kumeu River Estate Pinot Gris 2019 Read More
With Villa Maria Single Vineyard series now being released together on the 1st November annually, this is a good opportunity to look at one of my favourites – an Auckland …
Villa Maria Ihumatao Chardonnay 2020 Read More