A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From Waiheke Island, and a vintage described as ‘a very ripe and very Mediterranean style vintage’. Dense and inky ruby purple colour. Brooding and aromatic on the nose, with youthful …
Destiny Bay ‘Destinae’ 2010 Read More
From a precipitous slope of a vineyard in Waipara, North Canterbury, comes this well-regarded Syrah – the 2015 vintage finished an excellent 4th place in the Top 10 tasting of …
Terrace Edge Syrah 2019 Read More
From the Onetangi Valley, Waiheke Island; a Bordeaux-style red blend of great reputation – being made from 1987 – with 2010 being listed as “a superb vintage” by the winery. …
Stonyridge Larose 2010 Read More
I was asked to come along to an informal tasting of twenty Hawke’s Bay Chardonnays last week – hosted by Mat Kirby – winemaker at Clearview Estate and Helio – …
A Tasting of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020s Read More
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