A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A red blend, from Waiheke Island, and a vintage described as having ‘excellent conditions from flowering to harvest’. An inky carmine-burgundy colour in the glass. The nose has concentration and …
Destiny Bay Destinae 2020 Read More
From the ‘Home Block’ vineyard in Auckland. A pale golden-yellow in the glass. Richly aromatic, with grapefruit, baked apple, hazelnut, peach and oyster shell notes. Crisp and dry on the …
The Hunting Lodge ‘Ararimu’ Waimauku Chardonnay 2022 Read More
A blend of red varietals, from Hawke’s Bay, using Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. An inky dark garnet in the glass. The nose is inviting and dark too, with …
Paritua Stone Paddock ‘Scarlet’ 2019 Read More
A blend of 71% Semillon and 29% Sauvignon Blanc, from the spectacular 2020 vintage in Hawke’s Bay – the “bunches selected for a heavy botrytis infection”. A deep golden green …
Askerne Noble Kathryn 2020 Read More
A white wine from Waiheke island, and quite a rare variety to find in New Zealand. A green-gold colour in the glass. a powerful nose, with aromas of peach, orange …
Mawhitipana Ridge Estate Marsanne 2021 Read More
I think that readers will know the story by now. I was approached by Laithwaites – the longest-running ‘wine subscription service’ in the world, to review their offerings, and once …
Laithwaites June 2024 box of delights Read More
A red blend from Hawke’s Bay – using Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. An inkily dark crimson colour in the glass. Boysenberry, cassis, cherry and damson plum are dusted …
Clearview Enigma 2021 Read More
I tasted through the first Pinot Noirs from the Fistonich Family Vineyards portfolio this week. From the Ballochdale Vineyard, high in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough, that the company acquired in …
A trio of Pinot Noir from Čuvar & Obliix Read More
A red wine from Hawke’s Bay, blending Merlot from Te Awanga with Malbec from the Gimblett Gravels. A deep claret red colour in the glass, with cherry, plum, mint, blueberry …
Ka Tahi ‘The One’ Merlot-Malbec 2021 Read More
A single vineyard wine bordering the old Air Strip on Waiheke Island. Made from 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, in a vintage described by the producers …
Dunleavy ‘The Strip’ 2020 Read More