A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From the ‘Table Top’ block in Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay, and a great vintage – the COVID-hit 2020. A dense ruby in the glass. Perfumed with cassis, strawberry, thyme, boysenberry, …
Saint Clair ‘Pioneer Block 30’ Cabernet Franc 2020 Read More
From South Australia, and a label that always done pretty well by its Viognier – this is the entry-level ‘Y series’ from sites across its range of vineyards. A pale …
Yalumba Viognier 2020 Read More
Hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the company Templars Hill, Mansons Farm and Saffron Farm vineyards in Bannockburn, Central Otago. The Saffron Farm selection was wild fermented in old oak barrels, …
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Read More
An updated tasting of a wine that made the list of our Top 10 Tasting of Pinot Noir in mid-2021. An inkily dark ruby red in the glass. A classically …
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2019 Read More
A sparkling wine from France – from the area of Auxerre, which is a neighbour of Chablis in Burgundy; and made in a similar style to Crémant. A vibrant pale …
Saint-Meyland Methode Traditionelle NV Read More
From the Karikari Peninsula in Northland – the country’s most northerly winery, and a relatively unusual variety – a Pinotage. A deep, dark burgundy purple in the glass – with …
Karikari Pinotage 2017 Read More
From a vineyard in McLaren Vale that was replanted to Chambourcin from Shiraz thirty years ago – the blend is Chambourcin (88%) and Graciano (12%). An inky but bright magenta-purple …
D’Arenberg ‘The Peppermint Paddock’ Sparkling red NV Read More
A wine from Waiheke Island – and a winery that continues to wine high praise and awards. A pale green-gold, with a touch of grey ‘gris’ to the edges. A …
Passage Rock Pinot Gris 2019 Read More
A single vineyard selection from one of Marlborough’s best-regarded sites, and winner of the Champion Syrah at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa this year. A deep dark ruby colour …
Giesen Clayvin Syrah 2021 Read More
A Methode Traditionelle wine, made in the Champagne style – under license from the Deutz house in Champagne. From grapes in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, and from a single year – …
Deutz Marlborough Prestige Cuvée 2017 Read More