A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay. Predominantly hand-harvested. 85% whole bunch with fermentation in French oak puncheons for 10 months, of which 10% was new. Sealed under screw cap. A pale, …
Craggy Range ‘Kidnappers Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2018 Read More
The top-tier Sauvignon Blanc from Giesen Wines in Marlborough. The producer labels it as ‘Bold, Complex and Unconventional – a Mark of the man’ – it’s named after the Giesen …
Giesen ‘The August’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Read More
My trip down to Hawke’s Bay to have a look at the 2026 harvest was well-timed. Tony Bish went on record to say that “Vintage 2026 is already breaking records. …
Tony Bish – the latest releases Read More
A red ‘Bordeaux Blend’ from handpicked fruit sourced from 13 year old vines in the Gimblett Gravels of Hawke’s Bay. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 35% and Cabernet …
Sacred Hill Helmsman 2013 Read More
A relatively rare variety in New Zealand that is perhaps best known from the French appellation of Jurançon. Forrest and Churton have it in their Marlborough vineyards as well as …
Spade Oak ‘Vigneron’ Petit Manseng 2016 Read More
A single vineyard wine, from the rich clay soils of the Upper Moutere sub-region of Tasman. A light steely green colour in the glass. A zesty perfume stars peach, sliced …
Tohu Whenua Matua Albariño 2020 Read More
I had more than a few discussions amongst people in the wine business over the last couple of years – about what customers really want to be drinking these days …
The Graduates Chillin’ Pinot 2024 Read More
Made from grapes grown across three of the sub-regions: the Wairau Valley, the Awatere Valley and the Kēkerengū Coast – looking to put together the most complete and balanced, integrated …
Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Read More
From the 2016 vintage which was a game of two halves – with a markedly cool spring, followed by a very warm and reasonably dry Summer and Autumn. As a …
De la Terre Reserve Syrah 2016 Read More
From a boutique family-run winery and label in the Upper Moutere region of Tasman. A translucent, very pale steely green colour in the glass. A wisp of smoky funk leads …
Abel Tasman Chardonnay 2022 Read More