A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
An oldie from the cellars – from the company that planted the first Pinot Noir grapes in Martinborough, back in 1980. A deep ruby scarlet in the glass, with some …
Martinborough Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 1994 Read More
From Waiheke island – this Chardonnay now split off from the ‘Reserve’ to showcase the wild ferment side of the winemaking. Tasted alongside the 2018 ‘Reserve’ (which included this portion …
Passage Rock ‘Wild and Free’ Reserve Chardonnay 2019 Read More
From the elevated, hillside Blue Rock Vineyard comes this delicious Wairarapa Riesling. A shining, pale golden colour in the glass, with an elegant perfume that takes in dried pineapple, tangerine, …
Luna Estate Riesling 2020 Read More
From the Mate’s vineyard across the road from the winery in Kumeu, West Auckland – the top level Chardonnay produced by this iconic label. Showing some bottle age colour in …
Kumeu River Matés Chardonnay 2008 Read More
The Trophy-winning Pinot Gris at the recent NZIWS, made from Hawke’s bay fruit at Askerne vineyard. Partially (20%) fermented in barrel. A pale lemon-straw colour in the glass. Bright and …
Askerne Pinot Gris 2021 Read More
From the new kids on the block in Martinborough, comes this Sauvignon Blanc, from, I believe, their Lime Hill vineyard in Wairarapa. Translucent green-yellow in the glass, showing a vibrant …
B. wine Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Read More
A wine from Palliser Estate in Martinborough – mostly fruit from their Pencarrow Vineyard. A light gold with a pink-petal edge to the colour in the glass. Perfumed with pear, …
The Luminary Pinot Gris 2020 Read More
The Collaboration Series continues, with the 2018 version created by young winemaker Ben McNab. With a lightness of colour and a translucent ruby in the glass, with fine, delicate aromas …
On Giants’ Shoulders ‘The Collaborator’ Pinot Noir 2018 Read More
Before Christmas, and after months of lockdown in Auckland, I took the opportunity to spend a couple of days over on Waiheke Island, with Gabor along to unlock a few …
Only the best – Destiny Bay, Waiheke Island Read More
A wine with an award-winning history, Mendoza clone fruit, and from a renowned single vineyard in the famed Gimblett Gravels – one of the first ‘named’ vineyards. A bright lemon-yellow …
Babich Irongate Chardonnay 2019 Read More