A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
One of the single vineyard Chardonnays from Kumeu River – a treat to try a year on from release. A very pale lemon/straw colour in the glass. Intensely floral aromas, …
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2021 Read More
Named as a tribute to their late founder Greg White, this Sauvignon Blanc comes from a single vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. A pale lemon-green in the glass, with a …
Whitehaven ‘Greg’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Read More
A new vintage of this Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc, which sees old oak – hence the Fumé Blanc label (and style). A bright translucent golden-green in the glass, with energetic and …
Groves Fumé Blanc 2022 Read More
With fruit sourced from one of the country’s best organic vineyards in Marlborough – 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Viognier, this wine was kept on skins in an 800L clay …
A Thousand Gods Giara 2022 Read More
This single vineyard from the small Queensberry sub-region of Central Otago. A winner of a Gold Medal at the NZIWS competition a couple of weeks ago – a show that …
Nanny Goat Queensberry Chardonnay 2022 Read More
Sourced from the Howell Vineyard in Bridge Pa, Hawke’s Bay – at one tasting I decided that this was their best wine. Revisiting the product now, I don’t see any …
Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Cabernet Franc 2018 Read More
A new label of sparkling wine – in fact a new production facility in Hawke’s Bay as well – with their first bottled product opened for me for tasting this …
Vilaura Methode Traditionelle 2019 Read More
A focus on terroir is key to this interesting producer from Waipara, blessed with limestone-rich soils. A glossy, slightly opaque ruby-purple in the glass. The perfume isn’t bold, rather shyly …
The Boneline Wai-iti Pinot Noir 2020 Read More
Probably the best recognised of the Marlborough sub-regions, this wine occupies a more familiar ‘Marlborough Sav’ area of the spectrum. Not to mean that the typicity renders it any less …
Rapaura Springs ‘Rohe – Rapaura’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
This is the third year that I have had the opportunity to review the ‘Rohe’ series from Rapaura Springs in Marlborough. These three Sauvignon Blancs have quite distinct voices that …
Rapaura Springs ‘Rohe – Blind River’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More