A collection of writing about New Zealand Wine
From the excellent 2013 vintage, this producer on Waiheke Island has a great reputation for their Syrahs. Sealed under screwcap. A deep opaque ruby colour in the glass, with little …
Passage Rock Reserve Syrah 2013 Read More
A Pinot Noir from Marlborough, in a season which was challenging but generally led to high-quality, concentrated wines due to the lower yields. I don’t think it was my belief …
Crossroads ‘Milestone’ Pinot Noir 2017 Read More
The fruit is off 29 year old vines and some of the newer plantings from the Estate’s coastal vineyard in Te Awanga. Grapes are hand picked then whole bunch pressed, …
Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Read More
Arranged by Peter Maude Fine Wines, and hosted by the NZ School of Food and Wine this week – I had a chance to catch up on the new releases …
On ‘International wines’ Read More
From a relatively cool season which saw frost damage that lowered yields by 30-40%, into a warm and dry vintage where the overall quality was exceptional. Sealed under screwcap. A …
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2021 Read More
A Syrah from a well-regarded producer, made from equally lauded source – the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay. Part of a series of wines released under this tier – …
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2024 Read More
A Central Otago wine. The nose is fresh, inviting and vibrant. Cherry, strawberry, redcurrant, cinnamon, peat and musk roses. Bold and crunchy with fruit and energy into the palate, but …
Bannock Brae Diggers Law Pinot Noir 2023 Read More
A red blend from Waiheke Island, made by vigneron Luc Desbonnets, with a blend of 63% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intended to be …
Frenchman’s Hill Estate ‘White Horse’ 2013 Read More
Luc Desbonnets has been growing and making wine for over 30 years, kicking things off in France back in 1989. After finishing a business degree in NZ, he headed to …
Tasting through Frenchman’s Hill Estate with Luc Desbonnets Read More
A single vineyard wine from the beautiful estate that I visited in Hawke’s Bay this year. The Syrah comes from a small block by the homestead, and this vintage was …
Hopesgrove Estate Syrah 2020 Read More