A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
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
An aromatic white wine from Hawke’s Bay. The colour of pale gold in the glass. The perfume shows apricot, peach, citrus, honey, almond and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied …
Topsy Turvey Viognier 2020 Read More