A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Syrah grown on the famed Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels. 18 year old vines, at time of vintage, were cropped to low yields and hand harvested. Fruit was …
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Syrah 2014 Read More
A varietal that is not so easy to find if you’re browsing the shelves these days – this one from the organic label in the Awatere Valley of Marlborough. A …
Loveblock Gewürztraminer 2024 Read More
A Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough – winner of a Bronze medal at NZIWS this year. A translucent, silvery green colour in the glass. A bouquet that starts with green herbal …
Awatere River Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Read More
Tannat originates from the Madiran region of south-west France. De La Terre is one of only three wineries in New Zealand to produce Tannat. In its home region this grape …
De la Terre Reserve Tannat 2016 Read More
This Martinborough label launched in 2023 – a challenging vintage to get off the starting line. Winemaker Wilco Lam describes the 2024 as “a classic vintage” though – after a …
Oraterra Pinot Gris 2024 Read More
“Te Motu” The Island is from Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. The vines were first planted in 1989, with the first vintage of Te Motu being produced in 1993. …
Te Motu 2014 Read More
A Pinot Noir using hand-picked and destemmed fruit from the company vineyard in Cromwell in Central Otago. A medium-density ruby-purple colour in the glass. The perfume has ripe, bright fruit …
Scott Base Pinot Noir 2023 Read More
The one very disappointing aspect to this wine is that 2019 was the last ever vintage made of this true icon. Indeed it is now a legend, while also showcasing …
Vidal Legacy Chardonnay 2019 Read More
A top-level Sauvignon Blanc from this producer, only made in the best years – sourced “from select rows in the lower Wairau Valley in Marlborough”. When I read that it …
Lake Chalice Plume Sauvignon Blanc 2024 Read More
A wine from Hawke’s Bay – being a blend of 62% Merlot, 29% Malbec and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon – the Merlot coming from Twyford Gravels and the Malbec from The …
Esk Valley Reserve Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Read More