A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A blanc-de-blancs single vineyard ‘Grower champagne’ from Merfy – the “Heurtebise” vineyard. Very dry, but also wonderfully complex. The nose shows this in spades – almond, fennel, creme fraiche, white …
Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise 2017 Read More
From a single vineyard site in Waiheke’s Onetangi Valley. A pale golden-lemon colour in the glass. Crisp, bountiful aromatics of grapefruit, vanilla, lemon zest, brioche, white pepper, nectarine and chestnut. …
Sam Harrop Cedalion Chardonnay 2019 Read More
A Heathcote wine (supplied by a resident expert) from Victoria, Australia. An italian variety, and rather European in style – in this expression. A dense ruby red in the glass. …
Vinea Marson Sangiovese 2016 Read More
Taking fruit from a premium site at the coast in Hawke’s Bay, to produce their Reserve Chardonnay, I was first introduced to this by the winemaker earlier this year. A …
Takapoto Reserve Chardonnay 2019 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, 2022 Read More
This is a most impressive example of ‘orange winemaking’. Generally speaking I am a massive fan of Minimalistic, low-intervention winemaking. Within this genre there is orange winemakers. While many wines in this …
Ochota Barrels ‘Fugazi’ 2020 Read More
From the Adelaide Hills in South Australia – a label I was delighted to discover during lockdown at the end of 2021. A deep burgundy colour in the glass, with …
Adelina Shiraz Mataro 2019 Read More
From the producer Takapoto whose vineyards are by Lake Karapiro in Waikato. A bright lemon-green in the glass. Lovely, crisp aromatics, led by nectarine, pink grapefruit, dried pineapple, mandarin, butterscotch …
Crossing Point Chardonnay 2021 Read More
The ‘Marshall Bank’ Chardonnay grapes were grown at the Ohiti Estate vineyards, near the winery. A pale lemon-green in the glass, and showing a powerful perfume, laced with peach, vanilla, …
Brookfields ‘Marshall Bank’ Chardonnay 2021 Read More
A first for Central Otago winemaker Matt Connell’s own label – a single vineyard Pinot Gris from Lowburn. A pale sand colour in the glass, with wonderfully expressive aromas of …
Matt Connell Pinot Gris 2021 Read More