A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Bordeaux left-bank inspired blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc from the Lethbridge vineyards outside Geelong in Victoria. Considering the ripe depth on show, it …
Lethbridge ‘La Gauche’ 2021 Read More
Welcome to the end of the year round up where I look at my ten favourite wines of the year. This is what I judge to be the best of …
WineFolio Best wines of the year – 2023 Read More
From one of the premier producers of Pinot in Australia, and a place I visited earlier this year to talk to Coldstream Hills winemaker Andrew Fleming (here > https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=8892). On …
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 1994 Read More
A translucent lemon-straw colour in the glass. An elegant perfume – calm and measured – revealing aromas of citrus peel, melon, sourdough, crushed shell, pineapple and fig. Oak is apparent …
Black Barn Vineyards Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022 Read More
A single vineyard expression (and barrel selection) from the Defiance vineyard on Felton Road in Bannockburn. A dense ruby colour in the glass. A savoury style, with that pop of …
Domain Road ‘Defiance’ Pinot Noir 2019 Read More
A Sauvignon Blanc from what is recognised as the best producer in the Loire Valley. Since iconic winemaker Didier Dagueneau died unexpectedly in 2008, interest in this iconic Domaine has …
Dagueneau Pur Sang 2019 Read More
Using fruit from a site up the hill in Bendigo, Central Otago. A dark ruby in the glass, with evocatively “Central Pinot” scents of crushed thyme, cherry, bonfire, cocoa, mushroom, …
Matt Connell Single Vineyard Bendigo Pinot Noir 2020 Read More
From one of South Australia’s premium sub-regions, and a winner of a Gold medal at the 2023 New Zealand International Wine Show. Interesting to see this blend, compared to the …
Riddoch Coonawarra ‘Man of Many’ Cabernet Malbec 2021 Read More
A white wine from the Gladstone sub-region of Wairarapa. The potential and charisma of this varietal in the Wairarapa shows again and again – with fine examples from Palliser, B-wine, …
Urlar Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Read More
From Puriri Hills in Clevedon, Auckland – a red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Carmenère and Malbec. It feels very Merlot-heavy, with the plum fruits and medicinal tang …
Mokoroa 2019 Read More