Posted: November 2, 2022
This fresh, full-bodied wine is vibrantly fruity, with very good depth of pear, lychee and spice flavours, and a dry, finely balanced finish. Best drinking mid-2023+. $18
Comments Off on Tohu Marlborough Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This vigorous, zingy, tightly structured wine has generous tropical fruit and herbaceous flavours, with a dry, appetisingly crisp finish. Best drinking mid-2013+. $18
Comments Off on Tohu Marlborough Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Lively and strongly varietal, this freshly herbaceous wine has good depth of citrusy, appley flavours and a crisp, dry finish. $18
Comments Off on Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This powerful, very inviting red is an unusual blend of pinot noir (85%) and cabernet sauvignon (15%) from the 2021 vintage (it was made to display ‘classic pinosity’ with ‘added depth, vigour and a touch of brawn’). Already drinking well,…
Comments Off on Pegasus Bay Vergence Red by Mk 11 Red Blend 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This fresh, deeply coloured red was grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle. Full-bodied, with youthful vigour, it has generous, plummy, spicy flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and supple tannins. Best drinking mid-2023+. $25
Comments Off on Haha Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This elegant, very youthful red was grown at three sites in the Bridge Pa Triangle (74%) and the Gimblett Gravels (26%), and aged for 17 months in French oak barriques (27% new). Deeply coloured, with a fragrant, floral bouquet, it…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Full of potential, this lush, sweet-fruited red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle, matured in French oak casks (27% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied, youthful and sweet-fruited, with concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Redstone Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Set for a long life, this powerful, youthful red was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dark and purple-flushed, it has ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, fresh, concentrated, nutty and complex, and…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This dense, very ageworthy red was matured in Hungarian and French oak casks (29% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling, with rich blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, oak complexity and refined tannins. A classy…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Buoyantly fruity, this full-coloured red is enjoyable young. Mouthfilling, it has very good depth of ripe plum, red berry and spice flavours, fresh acidity and a smooth finish. $18
Comments Off on Haha Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This bold, vibrant, lush red was matured in French oak casks (44% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dark and purple-flushed, it has rich plum, red berry, spice and nut flavours, a hint of liquorice, gentle tannins and obvious potential…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Fresh and full-bodied, this youthful, ruby hued red has very good depth of cherry, plum and spice flavours, with a distinct touch of complexity and smooth tannins. Best drinking mid-2023+. (From Starborough). $30
Comments Off on River Farm Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Enjoyable young, this medium-bodied, supple red was grown in the Wairau and Awatere valleys and partly barrel-aged. Ruby hued, it is vibrantly fruity, with fresh cherry, plum and spice flavours, slightly savoury notes adding complexity, and a very smooth finish….
Comments Off on Haha Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Full of drink-young charm, this elegant, organically certified red was grown in the Southern Valleys. Bright ruby, it is fresh, lively and medium-bodied, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, supple tannins and a finely textured…
Comments Off on Zephyr Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Offering very easy drinking, this wine was 90% estate-grown at Bendigo and partly oak-aged. Bright ruby, it is fresh, full-bodied and supple, with generous, ripe fruit flavours to the fore, savoury notes adding complexity and a smooth finish. $37 (A,…
Comments Off on Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Drinking well now, this bright ruby red was matured in French oak barriques. Fragrant and full-bodied, it has very good depth of cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, fresh acidity and ripe, supple tannins. $27 (A, UK,…
Comments Off on Awatere River Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This floral, elegant red was hand-harvested and matured for 10 months in French oak casks (30% new). Full, bright ruby, it is vibrantly fruity, with generous, cherryish, plummy, spicy, slightly nutty flavours, fresh acidity, supple tannins and good harmony. Best…
Comments Off on Domain Road Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Still unfolding, this hand-harvested wine was matured for a year in French oak barriques (29% new). Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant, full-bodied, sweet-fruited and savoury, with rich, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity, and a fairly…
Comments Off on Bald Hills Single Vineyard Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This youthful, deep ruby red was estate-grown, hand-picked, barrel-aged, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full-bodied, sweet-fruited and savoury, it has vibrant cherry, plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing very good concentration and complexity, and obvious potential. Best drinking 2024+….
Comments Off on Folding Hill Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Offering great value, this bright, deep ruby red has a fragrant, savoury bouquet. Barrique-aged for a year, it is mouthfilling and supple, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, gentle acidity, and a complex, smooth, very harmonious finish. Forward…
Comments Off on Main Divide Te Hau Reserve North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This organically certified red is drinking well now. Estate-grown, hand-picked and matured for a year in French oak barrels (20% new), it is ruby hued, with a hint of maturity. Full-bodied, it has berry, spice, herb and nut flavours, complex…
Comments Off on Clos Henri Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This organically certified red is still unfolding, but already delicious. Hand-picked and matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (31% new), it is bright ruby and mouthfilling, with deep cherry, plum and spice flavours, complex, savoury, supple and harmonious….
Comments Off on Greystone Organic Waipara Valley North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2019 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This savoury, silky-textured red was estate-grown at Waipara, in North Canterbury, fermented outside in the vineyard with indigenous yeasts, barrel-aged for 15 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling, supple and very harmonious, with a lovely…
Comments Off on Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This attractively perfumed, savoury red was aged for 15 months in French oak casks (33% new). Deep ruby, it has concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, fresh acidity and good tannin backbone. Already delicious, it should…
Comments Off on Domain Road Paradise Single Vineyard Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2018 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Bright, light pink, this vibrant wine is light and smooth, with gentle, peachy, strawberryish, spicy flavours, fresh acidity, and plenty of drink-young charm. $19
Comments Off on Koparepare Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Pale pink, this vibrant wine is still very youthful. It has generous peach, watermelon and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and freshness, and a crisp finish. Open mid-2023+. $28
Comments Off on Zephyr Mk1 Marlborough Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Very pale pink, this lively, racy wine was grown in the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys sub-regions. Medium-bodied, it is vivacious, with watermelon, peach and spice flavours, showing good delicacy, and a dry finish. $23
Comments Off on Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Bright pink, this fresh, lively wine is medium-bodied, with strong berry, watermelon, peach and strawberry flavours, and a slightly spicy, dry finish. It’s drinking well now. $25
Comments Off on Church Road Gwen Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Vivacious and attractively scented, this bright, light pink wine has generous peach, strawberry, watermelon and spice flavours, balanced acidity and a dryish, lively, lingering finish. $23
Comments Off on Awatere River Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This bright pink, attractively scented wine was grown at Pisa. Already delicious, it is very fresh, vibrant and smooth, with ripe, cherryish, plummy flavours, a bare hint of sweetness, lively acidity and a finely poised finish. $30 (A)
Comments Off on Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This delicious pinot noir rosé was estate-grown at Te Muna, tank-fermented and aged for three months in old oak. Pale pink, it is fresh and full-bodied, with generous strawberry and spice flavours, complex, savoury and dry. $35 (A)
Comments Off on The Elder Martinborough Rosé 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Fragrant and fresh, this bright, light pink Marlborough wine is very lively, with strong peach, watermelon and spice flavours, crisp, dry and sustained. $34
Comments Off on Awatere River Spindrift Pinot Noir Rosé 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
From ‘the first New Zealand-grown prosecco grapes’, this bottle-fermented Gisborne wine was disgorged after one month’s aging on its yeast lees. Very easy drinking, it is refreshingly light and lively, with very good depth of citrusy, appley flavours, fresh acidity…
Comments Off on Spade Oak V Le Champ NZ Prosecco 2022 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Bright, light pink, this chardonnay and pinot noir blend was grown in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, and handled by the ‘Charmat’ method. Crisp and very lively, it has gentle strawberry and watermelon flavours, slightly peachy and yeasty notes, very good…
Comments Off on Haha Brut Rosé NV / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Priced right, this blend of chardonnay and pinot noir is from Marlborough base wines, up to five years old, handled by the ‘Charmat’ method. Bright, light lemon/green, it has a freshly scented, gently yeasty bouquet. Crisp and vigorous, it is…
Comments Off on Haha Brut Cuvee NV / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Worth discovering, this distinctive, pale pink/orange Marlborough wine was made from estate-grown, single block pinot noir. The bouquet is highly fragrant, strawberryish and yeasty; the palate intense, with vigorous, peachy, spicy, yeasty flavours, showing excellent depth, and a dry, lingering…
Comments Off on Clos Henri Vineyard Chapel Block Blanc de Noirs 2019 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This lush, full-bodied dessert wine was estate-grown at Matapiro, hand-harvested, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French and Hungarian oak casks. Golden, it is highly fragrant, with concentrated, peachy, gently honeyed flavours, an oily texture, and lovely complexity and harmony….
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Noble Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This fresh, invitingly perfumed wine was estate-grown in the lower Awatere Valley. Bright, light lemon/green, it is medium-bodied, with strong, vibrant, peachy, spicy flavours, slight sweetness, moderate acidity and a very smooth, harmonious finish. $27
Comments Off on Loveblock Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Drinking well in its youth, this single-vineyard wine was fermented in a 50/50 split of tanks and oak puncheons. Pale gold, it has good depth of peachy, citrusy flavours, showing some complexity, and a fresh, crisp finish. $20 (A, UK,…
Comments Off on Anchorage Nelson Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
A drink-young charmer, this full-bodied wine is a ‘fruit-driven’ style, with generous stonefruit flavours to the fore, a distinct touch of complexity and a creamy-smooth finish. Best drinking 2023+. $18
Comments Off on Haha Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This single-vineyard wine was grown at Dillons Point, hand-picked, and fermented and matured in large French oak casks. Certified organic, it is vigorous and youthful, with crisp, citrusy flavours, gentle mealy, buttery and biscuity notes adding complexity, and a tightly…
Comments Off on Zephyr Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Fermented with indigenous (‘wild’) yeasts, this characterful, bright yellow/green wine is already drinking well. Full-bodied, it has generous, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, vaguely buttery notes, and a dry, crisp finish. Fine value. $18
Comments Off on Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Estate-grown at Rapaura, this is a highly approachable wine. Bright, light lemon/green, it is full-bodied, with strong, youthful, ripe, peachy flavours, finely integrated oak, savoury notes adding complexity and fresh acidity. Best drinking mid-2023+. $20
Comments Off on Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This generous, single-vineyard wine offers fine value. Light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with rich, ripe stonefruit flavours to the fore, gentle toasty notes, balanced acidity, good complexity and a finely balanced finish. $25
Comments Off on Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Already drinking well, this single-vineyard wine was barrel-fermented. Lemon-scented, it has strong, ripe, citrusy, peachy flavours, mealy, savoury notes adding complexity, and a slightly buttery finish. $32
Comments Off on Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Bannockburn Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This youthful, mostly hand-harvested wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling, with concentrated, peachy, toasty flavours, showing very good complexity, and fresh acidity. Best drinking 2024+. $25
Comments Off on Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
This young wine offers great value. From a vineyard on the south side of the Wairau Valley, it is mouthfilling, with excellent vigour and intensity of ripe stonefruit flavours, and toasty oak adding complexity. Best drinking 2024+. $25
Comments Off on Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘O’ Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
A drink-now or cellaring proposition, this French oak-fermented wine has cool-climate vigour. Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling, with rich, stonefruit flavours, seasoned with toasty oak, very good complexity and balanced acidity. $30
Comments Off on Awatere River Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Unfolding gracefully, this is a great buy. Hand-harvested and barrel-fermented, it is a powerful, youthful wine with mouthfilling body, fresh acidity and concentrated stonefruit flavours, toasty and complex. Showing lovely richness, vigour and harmony, it should be at its best…
Comments Off on Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020 / 0 View / November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Still a baby, this tightly structured wine was estate-grown in the Tuki Tuki Valley, and fermented and matured in French oak casks (30% new). Bright, light yellow/green, with a fragrant, smoky bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with peachy, citrusy, toasty flavours,…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Terraces Chardonnay 2021 / 0 View / November 2, 2022