A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay that has a great many awards under its belt from over the years. This vintage won the Trophy at IWSC 2019 – so was effectively …
Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Read More
Hawke’s Bay Syrah – the fruit de-stemmed and fermented in tanks to 14% alc. Then aged in mainly new French oak barriques for 17 months. Sealed under cork (cork in …
Brookfields ‘Hillside’ Syrah 2018 Read More
I confess that trying this wine this was a bit of a trip down Memory Lane for me. Back in November 2019, I started up the WineFolio website, and one …
Soljans Kumeu Pinot Gris 2018 Read More
It is my understanding that this was another example of the forward thinking of the legendary icon of the NZ Wine industry Sir George Fistonich. Under the “Library Release” programme …
Villa Maria ‘Library Release’ Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Read More
A red blend from The Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay – the blend varying annually with the vintage. This year is Cabernet Franc 80% and Tempranillo 20% – a …
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels ‘The Gimblett’ 2022 Read More
A Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes grown in two vineyards on the Waimea Plains outside Nelson, where the alluvial soils are well-suited to aromatic whites. A pale steely green colour …
Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Read More
A new release of what is a fairly rare varietal to find in New Zealand. This one grown in the Gimblett Gravels region of Hawke’s Bay. An opaque, inky, deep …
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo 2024 Read More
From the excellent 2013 vintage, this producer on Waiheke Island has a great reputation for their Syrahs. Sealed under screwcap. A deep opaque ruby colour in the glass, with little …
Passage Rock Reserve Syrah 2013 Read More
A Pinot Noir from Marlborough, in a season which was challenging but generally led to high-quality, concentrated wines due to the lower yields. I don’t think it was my belief …
Crossroads ‘Milestone’ Pinot Noir 2017 Read More
The fruit is off 29 year old vines and some of the newer plantings from the Estate’s coastal vineyard in Te Awanga. Grapes are hand picked then whole bunch pressed, …
Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Read More