A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From their vineyard in Mangatahi, and the excellent but COVID-defined vintage of 2020. Deep, inky, dark carmine in the glass. Defined by the aromatics, which are punchy with plenty of …
Easthope Family Winegrowers Home Block Syrah 2020 Read More
A pale lemon-green in the glass, with lively aromatics of white peach, greengage, cardamom, roast cashew nut, lemon zest and elderflower florals. Just the hint of flinty reductivity, and a …
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2021 Read More
Taking fruit from their Parkburn and Gibbston sites, with minimal handling, aiming for what makes up that classic Central Otago Pinot expression. A vibrant nose showing dark cherry, damson, rosehip, …
Rockburn Pinot Noir 2021 Read More
A single vineyard wine, with fruit from the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. In individually numbered bottles! A light straw-golden colour in the glass. The nose is bright and filled with interest. …
Stanley Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Read More
A organic, single vineyard wine, from the Loveblock farm at the top of the hills in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Portions of the wine were fermented in neutral French oak and …
LoveBlock Pinot Gris 2021 Read More
Tasted at Helio Headquarters with winemaker Mat Kirby (and a chance to look at all three editions – the ’19, ’20 and this new 2021in a flight as well). A …
Helio Chardonnay 2021 Read More
From Waiheke island, a Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. You can think of it as an approachable, fruit-forward version of the Larose, but it is a …
Stonyridge Airfield 2019 Read More
From a vineyard that borders the old Waiheke island airstrip, comes this bold youthful red, with a few years in bottle, ready to go. Labelled Cabernet-Merlot, but I’m guessing that …
Dunleavy ‘The Strip’ Cabernet Merlot 2018 Read More
From the Elephant Hill vineyards in Gimblett and Bridge Pa Triangle – a blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon 41%, Merlot 22%, Cabernet Franc 17%, Malbec 12% and a dash of Tempranillo …
Elephant Hill Hieronymus 2015 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, just released from the vintage that is remembered as being COVID-hit but of excellent quality. Pale green/golden colour. Vividly aromatic, with grilled pineapple, hazelnut, white peach, …
Radburnd Chardonnay 2020 Read More