A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From Marlborough, and the excellent 2019 vintage – this is a bold Chardonnay with smoky notes of toasted hazelnut, buttered toast, vanilla and mandarin peel on the nose. Decently weighty …
Delta ‘Hatters Hill’ Chardonnay 2019 Read More
Coming from the family estate ‘Caythorpe’ vineyard in central Wairau, the excellent 2020 vintage has produced a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of nectarine, pine leaves, cut grass and capsicum, …
Caythorpe Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Read More
The 2020 rosé is made from Malbec, off the Lesley’s vineyard in Bridge Pa, Hawke’s Bay. Bright cerise-pink, a decent depth of colour, almost like a light red wine. Vibrant …
Zaria Rosé 2020 Read More
A deep, opaque ruby-purple colour in the glass, with a nose of blueberry, bramble and pomegranate, filled out with florals of violets and tobacco box. Generous and succulent on the …
Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah 2018 Read More
A relatively rare variety in New Zealand, but this Nelson wine won a Trophy at the NZIWS in 2020 (in the Other White Wine varieties class) A fresh, striking, very …
Blackenbrook Pinot Blanc 2020 Read More
A barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the excellent 2019 vintage in Hawke’s Bay – won a Gold medal at the NZIWS this year. A nose of lemon peel, peach, roast almond and …
Black Barn Vineyards Chardonnay 2019 Read More
A single vineyard wine, from a hectare of vines that capture the last of the days sunlight. A bright, pale peachy-yellow colour in the glass; with piquant grapefruit, lychee, lemongrass, …
Bald Hills ‘Last Light’ Riesling 2018 Read More
The bestselling wine at their winery restaurant in Kerikeri, this Marsden Estate Pinot Gris is from the sterling 2020 vintage. A vibrant, youthful presentation, with white floral lift, sliced red …
Marsden Estate Pinot Gris 2020 Read More
I love that I get to review this wine again, as not only do I rate it highly – I reviewed the 2018 version in May, after Matt gave me …
Matt Connell Lowburn SV Chardonnay 2019 Read More
Returning to the second of my biodynamic-farmed Pyramid Valley Pinot Noirs – the Angel Flower 2016. This is a ‘natural’ wine: handmade and unfiltered – a cloudy, soft burgundy brick …
Pyramid Valley Angel Flower 2016 Read More