A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
Unusually, a wine made from fruit grown in Waikato, at the Estate vineyards by Lake Karapiro. A classic example of Cabernet Franc, with the signature ‘franc funk’ evident on the …
Takapoto Estate Crossing Point ‘The Red’ 2018 Read More
One of those Central Otago Pinots that I tend to introduce as ‘quintessential Central Pinot’ – one that you’d give to someone who’d never tasted a Pinot Noir from this …
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2015 Read More
A rich expression, with delicious aromatics on the nose – apricot, pear, lychee, mandarin peel, macademia nut and a lemon blossom floral lift. Brimming with golden stonefruit, marmalade and pink …
Elephant Hill Sea Viognier 2019 Read More
A chardonnay from a higher altitude vineyard in the northern section of St. Aubin. Showing aromas of lemon peel, sourdough crumb, chestnut, geranium, nashi pear and citrus blossom. The palate …
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint Aubin ‘Le Banc’ 2019 Read More
Time rolls around to another release day of the latest single vineyard (and Estate) Chardonnays from Kumeu River. After impeccable vintages in first 2019 and then the stellar 2020 – …
Kumeu River Chardonnays 2021 Read More
I adore sherry. Spending a third of my adult life in Bristol, UK – home to Harveys Wine who were historically one of the biggest importers of the wine from …
Williams & Humbert ‘Don Guido’ Pedro Ximénez Sherry Read More
One thing I’ve had a couple of requests to comment on, and write about, is ageing of wines – in particular the question of “how well, or long, can the …
Fromm Clayvin Chardonnay – 2010 & 2020 vintages Read More
This label is based in the Waikato, making wines by Lake Karapiro – but has made its reputation with a wine from Central Otago. The 2014 vintage of this wine …
Takapoto Estate Pinot Noirs: 2015 – 2016 – 2019 Read More
From the lower terrace at Askerne, in Hawke’s Bay comes this Bordeaux style red blend, from the excellent COVID-hit vintage of 2020. Very dark, inky claret colour in the glass. …
Askerne Reserve Merlot-Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Read More
From the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough. Very pale green-straw, with pink/grey edges, in the glass. Lovely aromatic wine, showing a spicy nose that has classic Pinot Gris notes of apple …
Leefield Station Pinot Gris 2021 Read More