A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From the Ballochdale Vineyard in the Awatere Valley – situated well inland, and at over 300 metres in height. A bright ruby-burgundy colour in the glass. Crisp, varietal scents on …
Čuvar Guardians Pinot Noir 2023 Read More
One of the single vineyard range of wines made by Villa Maria when they were arguably at their best and most influential around a decade ago. From the vineyard on …
Villa Maria ‘Taylors Pass Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2012 Read More
So often a blending component, I’m always happy to try a straight Cabernet Franc, when you can find one! The organic grapes for this one are grown on the TK …
Amoise Cabernet Franc 2022 Read More
At the most recent of the WineFolio ‘Top 10 Tasting’ events (https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=10236) it was noted by judges that “there were a couple where the wines were more distinctly varietal than …
Marlborough Sun Sauvignon Rosé 2023 Read More
A wine from the excellent 2019 vintage – grown in the Gimblett Gravels region of Hawke’s Bay. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend, with 7% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. …
Craggy Range The Quarry 2019 Read More
From a difficult vintage, comes the latest from this boutique label – one of the first Chardonnays of the 2023 vintage I’ve tasted. A vibrant pale green colour in the …
Helio Chardonnay 2023 Read More
From New Zealand’s spiritual home of Sauvignon – Marlborough. A silvery lemon-green in the glass. Powerfully perfumed with grapefruit, whitecurrant, passionfruit, lemon peel, acacia, celery, fern and daisy. A burst …
Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Read More
A red wine from Cadiz in Andalucia, Spain – from a producer committed to re-introducing the forgotten varietals and table wines of the Jerez region. A deep burgundy colour in …
Bodegas Luis Pérez Tintilla Balbaína 2018 Read More
Part of the first day of my trip through some of the wine regions of Victoria (Macedon, Heathcote, Yarra) sees me dropping in for a flying visit to Curly Flat …
Winemaker series: Matt Harrop Read More
Great TV, or film, that has wine as a central theme, can be hard to find. There is ‘Sideways’ of course – the film (from the book by Rex Pickett) …
Drops of God – Apple TV+ Read More