A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
A Méthode sparkling wine from Marlborough – using a blend of Chardonnay (85%) and Pinot Noir (15%) grapes, from selected blocks in vineyards across the Wairau and Awatere valleys. A …
Villa Maria Reserve Méthode Traditionnelle NV Read More
I had an idea to get into some 1999 vintage wines before the end of the year – so they are still “25 year olds”. I get the feeling that …
Party like it’s 1999 Read More
A Pinot Noir from a good-sized, family-run estate in Burgundy with vineyards in several regions. A translucent, bright but pale ruby-purple colour in the glass. Good concentration and lift to …
Domaine Bruno Clair ‘Les Grasses Têtes’ Marsannay 2021 Read More
A Hawke’s Bay wine, using Clone 548 fruit from the Fratelli vineyard in Bridge Pa, and some Mendoza clone fruit from the Two Terraces vineyard in Mangatahi. A vibrant pale …
Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2022 Read More
Welcome to the end of the year round up where I look at my ten favourite wines of the year. This is what I consider to be the best of …
WineFolio best wines of the year – 2024 Read More
From the beautiful Hawke’s Bay vineyard of the same name – made from organic Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of skin contact before pressing. A slightly opaque golden colour, with just …
The Supernatural 2022 Read More
A Marlborough wine, blended from four different clones from grapes grown at the producer’s home vineyard in the lower Wairau Valley, the Wrekin Vineyard on the clay hillsides of the …
Astrolabe Chardonnay 2023 Read More
One of New Zealand’s great ‘Bordeaux style’ red wines – from a steep hillside vineyard in Bayview, Hawke’s Bay. The low yielding vines were planted back in 1989 and The …
Esk Valley Heipipi The Terraces 2020 Read More
There wouldn’t be many more than a dozen vineyards in the country that are regarded as such top-level quality that their names are instantly recognisable to wine fans and writ …
Sacred Hill Riflemans Chardonnay 2016 Read More
One of the Elephant Hill designations – each expression drawn from one of ‘Sea’ (Te Awanga), ‘Earth’ (Bridge Pa) and ‘Stone’ (Gimblett Gravels). A pale gold colour in the glass. …
Elephant Hill ‘Earth’ Chardonnay 2022 Read More