Mark Henderson

I eagerly look forward to the Gimblett Gravels Dozen: this 13th rendition marks the second in a trio of wonderful vintages with my high expectations being met.

I’m writing this from Takaka in the far north west of the South Island, though the wines were tasted just before Christmas.

Living and working in the south of the country, I don’t get to see Hawke’s Bay wines as much as I do those from Central, so it was quite a treat looking forward to a range of Syrahs.

While I enjoy bubbly in all its guises, I must admit to it being a wine style I don’t drink all that often.

The rosé category is fast growing, with many, many wineries upping production to meet demand.

The November and early December weather didn’t exactly shine with the promise of warm, sunny evenings where you’d want to fire up the BBQ, but I remain hopefully optimistic.

The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa is the country’s newest and only national wine show taking the place of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, Romeo Bragato Wine Awards and Royal Easter Wine Awards.

Today's collection rounds up a number of Otago Pinot Noirs tasted over a couple of sessions that have been waiting for their moment in the sun.

I’m writing the preamble to this particular column from a typically bright and sunny Central Otago (the wines were tasted in Dunedin earlier).

Supermarkets aren’t always trend-setters, but they are exceptionally good at analysing and recognising trends, while tailoring their offerings to consumer demand.

There is an old wine phrase dubbed "having a cellar palate".

A recent weekend saw a brief overnight trip to Cromwell for a friend’s birthday bash.