A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
Deep lemon-green colour with a hint of flinty smokiness and lime zest, roast chestnut and brioche on the nose. Medium-bodied and still with a juicy backbone of acidity. At the …
Gibbston Valley China Terrace Chardonnay 2013 Read More
I love it when I get to taste a wine where you get a feeling that something’s just a little off the regular beat. Hawke’s Bay Sav is a different …
Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Read More
Tony Bish has a singular vision – Hawke’s Bay chardonnay. Pushing the boundaries with innovation, and investments in egg-shaped fermenters – including the first Taransaud French oak ‘Ovum’ to make …
Tony Bish ‘Fat & Sassy’ Chardonnay 2019 Read More
I first met this wine at the end of June as it was just being sent up to Auckland for bottling – my first wine of the 2020 vintage; and …
Esk Valley Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2020 Read More
This was my choice for “Pinot Noir Day 2020” OK, I cheated and started it the night before, but will finish it off on the big day.. Another great value …
Bald Hills ‘3 Acres’ Pinot Noir 2016 Read More
A single vineyard wine, from the Gimblett Gravels vineyard in Hawke’s Bay; made with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec – a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals. Deepest, inky …
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels ‘Te Kahu’ 2010 Read More
One of the first 2020 vintage bottled wines to cross my paths for tasting. This is very promising! Open and accessible – invitingly appealing to drink, and easy to understand, …
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Read More
This was described by winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis in our conversation this year, as a wine ‘constructed’ in a particular style, using the artistry of the winemaker over the science. Deep …
Rockburn ‘The Art’ Pinot Noir 2016 Read More
Traditionally one of the country’s most lauded white wines, from a single vineyard site in Hawke’s Bay. Interesting to try this new release from the 2019 vintage that many are …
Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay 2019 Read More
This is an entry-level wine from Akarua, but delivering bags of drink-young appeal and fresh, classic Central Otago flavours. With a few years developing in the bottle, this 2016 is …
Akarua RUA Pinot Noir 2016 Read More