Reviews

One of the first 2020 vintage bottled wines to cross my paths for tasting. This is very promising! Open and accessible – invitingly appealing to drink, and easy to understand, …

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Read More

This was described by winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis in our conversation this year, as a wine ‘constructed’ in a particular style, using the artistry of the winemaker over the science. Deep …

Rockburn ‘The Art’ Pinot Noir 2016 Read More

Traditionally one of the country’s most lauded white wines, from a single vineyard site in Hawke’s Bay. Interesting to try this new release from the 2019 vintage that many are …

Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay 2019 Read More

This is an entry-level wine from Akarua, but delivering bags of drink-young appeal and fresh, classic Central Otago flavours. With a few years developing in the bottle, this 2016 is …

Akarua RUA Pinot Noir 2016 Read More

Back in classic Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay territory – bit of a sweet spot for us over here at WineFolio! Reviewed a lovely 2016 version at the end of last year, …

Babich ‘Irongate’ Chardonnay 2018 Read More

From Waiheke Island, this new chardonnay is all about moving on, and up, from their iconic Valhalla. Tasted alongside a couple of French white burgundies, this sits well alongside those …

Man O’ War Kulta Chardonnay 2019 Read More

Made by roving winemaker Ant Mackenzie from Hawke’s Bay fruit. A dark ruby with burgundy edges and a lovely savoury bouquet – mocha, blackcurrant and black pudding. Full bodied with …

Theory & Practice Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 Read More

A single vineyard wine, one of three chardonnays created by Brian Bicknell and team at Mahi in Marlborough. Pale golden with a lemon-yellow glow in the glass. Crisp, fresh aromas …

Mahi Single Vineyard ‘Alchemy’ Chardonnay 2018 Read More