Posted: December 2, 2021
Made from naturally dehydrated grapes, this Northland wine is bright red, rich and sweet, with moderate alcohol, concentrated plum, spice and liquorice flavours, fresh acidity and a long finish. A distinctive wine, it’s already delicious. (375ml) $68
Comments Off on Waiparore Matthias Tutukaka Coast Dessert Wine Syrah 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Enjoyable young, this Mosel-style wine is attractively scented, light and lively, with citrusy flavours and an off-dry, finely poised finish. Fine value. $13
Comments Off on Anchorage Classic Riesling 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Attractively perfumed, this clearly varietal wine is already drinking well. Fresh and full-bodied, it has very good depth of lychee and spice flavours, a hint of ginger, and a dryish finish. Best drinking 2023. $23 (A)
Comments Off on Matawhero Single Vineyard Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still unfolding, this fragrant, full-bodied wine is vibrantly fruity, with good intensity of citrusy, spicy flavours, dry and appetisingly crisp. Best drinking 2022+. $22
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Bell-Ringer Albariño Gisborne 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Already highly enjoyable, this wine is full of youthful vigour. Bright, light yellow/green, it is full-bodied, with very good intensity of vibrant, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, appetising acidity and a dryish, finely balanced finish. Best drinking 2023+. $26 (A)
Comments Off on Matawhero Church House Single Vineyard Gisborne Chenin Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Full of personality, this softly mouthfilling wine was fermented and matured for six months in old oak puncheons. Light lemon/green, it is perfumed, sturdy and rich, with deep lychee, pear and spice flavours, gentle sweetness, a slightly oily texture and…
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley North Canterbury Gewurztraminer 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Similar in style to Muscat Beaumes de Venise, this distinctive, rare wine was handled in tanks and stop-fermented with the addition of neutral spirit. Pale gold, it is weighty (16% alc/vol), with vibrant, concentrated, peachy flavours, hints of oranges and…
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Fortissimo Waipara Valley North Muscat NV Canterbury NV / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Attractively scented and very harmonious, this light-bodied wine is a medium style with incisive, citrusy, limey flavours, a gentle splash of sweetness, appetising acidity and a long finish. Drink now or cellar. $30 (A)
Comments Off on Bald Hills Last Light Single Vineyard Central Otago Bannockburn Riesling 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Priced sharply, this Nelson wine is fresh, crisp and medium-bodied, with tropical fruit and herbal flavours, full of youthful vigour. $13
Comments Off on Anchorage Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This punchy, freshly herbaceous, medium-bodied wine is aromatic and strongly varietal, with very good depth of melon and green capsicum flavours, crisp and lively. Fine value. $15
Comments Off on Anchorage Family Estate Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Fresh, punchy and full-bodied, this regional blend has strong tropical fruit flavours, a herbaceous undercurrent, and a basically dry, crisp finish. $18
Comments Off on Renato Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Showing good intensity, this wine was estate-grown at sites in the central Wairau Valley and the Waihopai Valley. Crisp and youthful, it is strongly varietal, with fresh tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours that linger well. $21 (UK)
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Stich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Priced sharply, this mouthfilling, lively wine has good intensity of tropical fruit flavours, a herbal undercurrent, and a tightly structured, finely balanced finish. $17
Comments Off on Anchorage Family Estate Reserve Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Strongly varietal, this highly aromatic, youthful wine is mouthfilling, crisp and dry, with punchy, tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, and a racy, tightly structured finish. Best drinking 2022. $29 (A, UK, US
Comments Off on Palliser Estate Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Already drinking well, this pale orange wine is mouthfilling, with very good depth of stonefruit and spice flavours, a hint of ginger and a moderately firm, dry finish. $18
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Kumeu Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Pale straw, this easy-drinking, medium-bodied wine is lively, with very good depth of peachy, slightly spicy flavours, a sliver of sweetness, and lots of drink-young appeal. $15
Comments Off on Anchorage Family Estate Nelson Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Priced right, this highly approachable red was matured for a year in seasoned French oak. Full-coloured, it is medium-bodied, with strong, fresh, plum and spice flavours, a hint of nutty oak, fresh acidity and supple tannins. Best drinking 2022+. $22
Comments Off on Pask Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This very easy drinking, medium-bodied red was estate-grown in west Auckland. Ruby hued, it has moderately concentrated, ripe, berryish, spicy flavours, seasoned with sweet oak, and a well-rounded finish. $28
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Guido in Velvet Pants Kumeu Montepulciano 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This generous, supple red has a fresh, slightly spicy and earthy bouquet. Full-bodied, it has very good depth of ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, showing considerable complexity, and a lengthy, smooth finish. Drink now or cellar. $23 (A)
Comments Off on Matawhero Single Vineyard Gisborne Merlot 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this estate-grown red was matured for 13 months in French oak, mostly new. Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, with strong plum and black pepper flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, and a long, spicy, supple finish. Best drinking 2023+….
Comments Off on Pask Declaration Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This graceful, ruby hued red is a medium-bodied style, grown in the Southern Valleys. Vibrantly fruity, it has fresh cherry, plum and spice flavours, a restrained touch of oak and good length. Best drinking mid-2022+. $24
Comments Off on Black Cottage Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This very easy-drinking red was grown at Alexandra and Gibbston. Bright ruby, it is floral and vibrantly fruity, with good depth of cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and ripe, supple tannins. Best drinking mid-2022+. $26 (A,…
Comments Off on Black Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Bargain-priced, this fragrant, mouthfilling, supple red is drinking well in its youth. Ruby hued, it has ripe, cherryish, red berry and spice flavours, a touch of complexity, and good depth and harmony. $17
Comments Off on Anchorage Family Estate Nelson Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Deep ruby, this savoury, medium to full-bodied red has a fragrant, slightly earthy bouquet. Well balanced, it has generous, plummy, spicy flavours, fresh acidity and supple tannins, in an easy-drinking style, likely to be at its best in 2023. $25
Comments Off on Brancott Estate Letter Series T Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Priced right, this Bannockburn red spent a year in French oak barriques (27% new). Deep ruby, it is full-bodied, with very good density of cherry, plum and spice flavours, complex, savoury and well-structured, with a moderately firm finish. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Bald Hills 3 Acres Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Offering top value, this wine was estate-grown at Bannockburn and Pisa, and matured in French oak barriques. Deep ruby, it is fragrant, mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, and fine-grained…
Comments Off on Akarua Rua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This refined red is deep ruby, with a slightly earthy fragrance. Still youthful, it is mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and finely textured, with rich cherry, plum and spice flavours, complex, savoury and harmonious. Best drinking 2023+. $59 (A, UK, US)
Comments Off on Palliser Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Weighty and complex, this savoury red was hand-picked from estate-grown, mature vines in the Southern Valleys and matured for 10 months in French oak barriques. Deep, bright ruby, it is still youthful, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours,…
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Vintage Widow Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This perfumed, silky-textured red was hand-harvested at Gibbston and matured for 10 months in French oak casks (28% new). Deep, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling and supple, with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, and a subtle seasoning of…
Comments Off on Coal Pit Tiwha Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Still very youthful, this estate-grown red was matured for nearly a year in French oak barriques (30% new). Deep, bright ruby, it is vigorous, with excellent density of cherry, plum and spice flavours, fresh acidity, savoury notes adding complexity, and…
Comments Off on Bald Hills Central Otago Single Vineyard Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Already highly enjoyable, this estate-grown red was hand-picked from 23 year-old vines and matured for nearly a year in French oak barriques (27% new). Bright ruby, it is full-bodied, sweet-fruited and supple, with vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely…
Comments Off on Akarua Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Pale pink, this fresh, lively wine has very good vigour and depth of strawberryish, spicy flavours, a hint of apricot and a dry finish. It’s ready to roll. $21
Comments Off on Jackson Estate Alayna Pinot Rosé 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Instantly appealing, this pale pink sparkling is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, grown in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay. It has strong, strawberryish, peachy, gently yeasty flavours, fresh acidity, and a dryish, smooth, lingering finish. $22
Comments Off on Haha Brut NV Rosé NV / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Priced right, this chardonnay/pinot noir blend was grown in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. The bouquet is citrusy and yeasty; the palate fresh and lively, with good intensity, gentle biscuity notes adding complexity, and a dryish, finely poised finish. $22
Comments Off on Haha Brut Cuvée NV NV / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This distinctive, pink/pale orange sparkling was made entirely from pinot noir. Lively, it has rich peach, strawberry, spice and yeast flavours, showing notable complexity, and a basically dry, very harmonious finish. $56
Comments Off on Palliser Estate The Méthode Rosé 2018 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Pale straw, this vivacious wine is a 50/50 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. Drinking well now, it is highly fragrant and tightly structured, with intense, citrusy, yeasty, slightly toasty flavours, showing excellent complexity, and a long, crisp finish. $53
Comments Off on Palliser Estate The Griffin Méthode Traditionnelle Martinborough 2017 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
This powerful young wine was estate-grown in Northland. Robust, it has vibrant pear and spice flavours, moderate acidity, very good vigour and length, and a basically dry finish. Well worth cellaring, it should be at its best mid-2022+. $26
Comments Off on Waiparore Tutukaka Coast Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Estate-grown on the coast, at Kina, this very pale straw wine is full-bodied, with strong, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, a sliver of sweetness and balanced acidity. A lively, generous, wine, it’s already drinking well. $20
Comments Off on Renato Nelson Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Mouthfilling, fleshy and smooth, this wine is enjoyable young, but worth cellaring too. Bright, light lemon/green, it has good intensity of vibrant peach, pear and spice flavours, and a dryish, very harmonious finish. $23 (A)
Comments Off on Matawhero Single Vineyard Gisborne Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Unfolding well, this medium to full-bodied wine has vibrant, citrusy, peachy flavours, hints of pears and spices, fractional sweetness, and very good vigour and depth. $18
Comments Off on Haha Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
From ‘the best grapes we have ever picked from our Home Block vineyard’, this youthful wine is weighty and vibrantly fruity, with strong, ripe, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, balanced acidity, and a finely textured, dry, rounded finish. Best drinking 2022+….
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Home Block Kumeu Pinot Gris 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Delicious now, but also ageworthy, this estate-grown wine was hand-picked and tank-fermented. Pale lemon/green, it is weighty, with concentrated, vibrant peach, pear and spice flavours, a touch of complexity, and a finely balanced, off-dry finish. $30 (A)
Comments Off on Bald Hills Kirameki Single Vineyard Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Enjoyable young, this partly barrel-fermented wine is full-bodied and creamy-textured, in a moderately complex style with balanced acidity and very good depth of fresh, ripe, peachy, slightly buttery flavours. $18
Comments Off on Haha Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Crafted deliberately in the ‘full-on’ style popular in the 1980s, this pale gold wine was fermented and matured for 11 months in American oak barrels (20% new). Full-bodied, it is a generous, moderately complex wine with plenty of peachy, toasty…
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Big & Buttery Gisborne Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Enjoyable young, this is a 3:1 blend of unoaked chardonnay and viognier fermented in seasoned oak barrels. Mouthfilling, it is fruity, with generous, peachy, slightly spicy flavours and a smooth, slightly buttery finish. $18
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Cee Vee Chardonnay/ Gisborne Viognier 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Already drinking well, this partly hand-picked wine was matured for nine months in French oak barriques and puncheons (10% new). Bright, light lemon/green, it is vibrantly fruity, with very good depth of peach and grapefruit flavours, a subtle seasoning of…
Comments Off on Pask Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Offering good value, this barrel-fermented, lees-aged wine is full-bodied, with generous, ripe stonefruit flavours, woven with fresh acidity, and well-integrated oak adding complexity. Still very youthful, it should be at its best mid-2022+. (From Pegasus Bay.) $21 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Main Divide Canterbury Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Well worth cellaring, this elegant wine was hand-picked at Pisa and fermented and matured for 10 months in French oak casks (10% new). Full-bodied, it is fresh and youthful, with strong, vibrant, citrusy flavours, gently seasoned with biscuity oak, and…
Comments Off on Wild Earth Central Otago Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Showing good personality, this youthful, vibrant Northland wine was barrel-fermented and lees-aged. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with generous, ripe, citrusy, peachy flavours, finely integrated oak, and a slightly creamy, harmonious finish. Best drinking 2023+. $28
Comments Off on Waiparore Tutukaka Coast Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021
Posted: December 2, 2021
Showing obvious potential for cellaring, this is a weighty, fleshy wine with generous, ripe, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, fresh, balanced acidity and excellent complexity. $25
Comments Off on Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Single Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / December 2, 2021