New releases tasting chance to get away
New releases tasting chance to get away
Feeling like a wine-focused weekend away? Then the Alexandra Basin Winegrowers Annual New Releases Tasting might be just the push you need.
Mark Henderson
Pinot noirs on parade
Pinot noirs on parade
Often when I’m deciding on what I’m going to taste for this column, I endeavour to maintain a bit of variety.
A show of diversity
A show of diversity
After making my way through today’s selection, I was left thinking that things are very positive in the world of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
Experiments give taste buds a romp
Experiments give taste buds a romp
The old adage "variety is the spice of life" is never truer than with today’s selection of New Zealand white wines that include a few lesser-known grape varieties.
Patience brings its rewards
Patience brings its rewards
The stresses and strains of 2020 have led many to rediscover the joys in simpler pleasures. Among a number of wine-loving friends and contacts a common thread has been opening “special” bottles of wine.
Depth and character
Depth and character
Wine lovers of a certain age will remember references to a characteristic called "Kiwi green".
Good things take time
Good things take time
Mark Henderson samples some fine chardonnay.
Ageworthy wines near peak drinkability
Ageworthy wines near peak drinkability
I recently caught up with the M&Ms (Murray and Matt) of Marlborough’s Dog Point Vineyard as they traversed the South Island in a rental camper van, doing their version of the 2020 Kiwi road trip.
A nod to Burgundy
A nod to Burgundy
The majority of grape varieties that we grow in New Zealand, and certainly our most popular, emanate from France. Over centuries, particular grape varieties became most favoured in each region due...
Class borne out in the glass
Class borne out in the glass
Expectations are a funny thing. Naturally, I try to avoid them when I’m tasting, as they could cloud one’s judgement and impartiality.
Delightful drops from hot season
Delightful drops from hot season
The majority of Central pinot noirs on the shelves at the moment are from the 2018 vintage. This was an exceptionally hot season from December through until the beginning of March, when cooler,...
A wine for everyone
A wine for everyone
Today's assortment is a trio of terrifically tasty twosomes.
Chardonnay makes a comeback
Chardonnay makes a comeback
One of the great pleasures of my job is the diversity of wines that cross my path, writes Mark Henderson. They may be from tiny boutique, or large-scale producers, local and international with price points that span the gamut.
Good value from the Hawkes Bay
Good value from the Hawkes Bay
I get frequent comments from fellow Dunedinites who enjoy reading the column each week, which is always heartening to hear.
Rieslings not just sweet
Rieslings not just sweet
It's a common misconception that all rieslings are just sweet, writes Mark Henderson.
‘Rogue vines’ obvious
‘Rogue vines’ obvious
Very many years ago, I helped friends plant out their vineyard.
Embracing freedom
Embracing freedom
With international tourism on hold due to Covid-19 domestic tourism is going to be a make or break for many businesses.
A tasting of two halves
A tasting of two halves
After many weeks of tasting alone during lockdown, the shift to Level 2 allowed my old tasting compatriots Messrs Collins and McLaren to sit in once again.
Raising a glass to diversity
Raising a glass to diversity
Diversity is a word oft heard nowadays, yet a cursory glance at NZ Winegrowers stats could make you think otherwise.
Easy to overlook northern offerings
Easy to overlook northern offerings
Living in Otago, we are blessed with easy access to a wealth of great pinot noir and, from speaking to wine shop owners over the years, it is clear that our local customer base enjoys ‘‘drinking...