A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
Sourced from the Howell Vineyard in Bridge Pa, Hawke’s Bay – at one tasting I decided that this was their best wine. Revisiting the product now, I don’t see any …
Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Cabernet Franc 2018 Read More
A new label of sparkling wine – in fact a new production facility in Hawke’s Bay as well – with their first bottled product opened for me for tasting this …
Vilaura Methode Traditionelle 2019 Read More
A focus on terroir is key to this interesting producer from Waipara, blessed with limestone-rich soils. A glossy, slightly opaque ruby-purple in the glass. The perfume isn’t bold, rather shyly …
The Boneline Wai-iti Pinot Noir 2020 Read More
Probably the best recognised of the Marlborough sub-regions, this wine occupies a more familiar ‘Marlborough Sav’ area of the spectrum. Not to mean that the typicity renders it any less …
Rapaura Springs ‘Rohe – Rapaura’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
This is the third year that I have had the opportunity to review the ‘Rohe’ series from Rapaura Springs in Marlborough. These three Sauvignon Blancs have quite distinct voices that …
Rapaura Springs ‘Rohe – Blind River’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
It’s a delight to taste these sub-regional expressions of Sauvignon Blanc from Rapaura Springs. A set of wines that are pioneering the concept of regional variation – Rohe translates as …
Rapaura Springs ‘Rohe – Dillons Point’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
From North Canterbury – a blend of three vineyards. The fruit is whole bunch fermented in open-top fermenters, then aged in clay amphora and old barrels for around 6 months. …
Pyramid Valley Orange Read More
Made from top quality Chardonnay in coastal Hawke’s Bay, by this exciting Waikato label. A pale golden-green colour in the glass, with varietal aromas of grapefruit, nectarine, cashew nut, lemon …
Takapoto Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020 Read More
From one of the oldest vineyards in Tasmania, overlooking historic Marion Bay. A bright ruby-purple colour in the glass. An immediate note of smoky oak on the nose, alongside black …
Bream Creek Reserve Pinot Noir 2022 Read More
A Martinborough wine, from Alex and Leah’s organic 2-hectare vineyard. A green-gold in the glass – more colour than your average NZ Sauvignon blanc. Also different on the nose – …
Drummond Farm ‘Happy Jack’ Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Read More