Wine Reviews

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Very different wine styles worthy of exploring

Today’s assortment offers three pairs of wines across three very different wine styles.

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Central Otago organic wine success

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Central Otago organic wine success

Recent years have seen ongoing growth in the number of vineyards across the country that are farmed organically and biodynamically.

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Swoon-worthy pinot noirs not for bargain hunters

Pinot noir can at times seem ubiquitous in New Zealand, such is its reach across the country and...

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Swoon-worthy pinot noirs not for bargain hunters

Pinot noir is an ancient grape variety with its roots in Burgundy, France.

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Variety generally dry with vein of ‘racy’ acidity

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Variety generally dry with vein of ‘racy’ acidity

I continue my journey through some of the less commonly seen grape varieties, travelling the world by glass as it were, my imaginary plane landing in Vienna, Austria.

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Pinot gris an accomplished European, global traveller

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Pinot gris an accomplished European, global traveller

It feels like it has been a while since my last pinot gris column.

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The evening in done right

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The evening in done right

Choosing to staying in means you’re in charge when it comes to wine choice - be it your favourite cheap and cheerful quaffer, a splurge, or trying something new.

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Richer chardonnays pair well with autumn food

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Richer chardonnays pair well with autumn food

Today’s line-up revolves around a quintet of Central Otago offerings along with a interloper from Hawke’s Bay.

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Amazing variety should not be overlooked

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Amazing variety should not be overlooked

Riesling can be bone dry, lusciously honeyed and sweet, and everything in between.

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Emerging grape variety looking promising

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Emerging grape variety looking promising

Among the frontrunners for “alternative or emerging varieties” popping up in New Zealand, Albarino might just have snuck its head into the lead, but only by a nose (forgive the pun).

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A trio of uncommon joys

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A trio of uncommon joys

I’ve been tasting some of the lesser known (in NZ) grape varieties recently and wanted to showcase three excellent examples that would be great introductions to their respective varieties.

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Single vineyard wines impress like traditional forebears

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Single vineyard wines impress like traditional forebears

If you follow the Burgundian pinot noir model, then the very finest vineyard sites have proved themselves over hundreds of years, designated Grand Crus or Premier Crus.

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The importance of acid to a good wine

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The importance of acid to a good wine

Acidity is an integral part of grapes and wine.

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Cellar wines to enjoy evolution

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Cellar wines to enjoy evolution

In this age of immediacy, many may struggle with the concept of cellaring wine or see it as an odd anachronism, with all the usual questions and caveats at the very least, a hindrance to the pursuit.

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Pinot Noir at a price for everybody

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Pinot Noir at a price for everybody

More than three decades ago I went up to Bannockburn to help friends plant their new vineyard.

Gathering on the well-trodden path to Central Otago

Later than some vintages it may be, but Central has been a hive of activity with the grape harvest getting into full swing. Across the region people have been gathering: backpackers, retirees,...

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Savouring in preparation for grape-picking season

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Savouring in preparation for grape-picking season

I hope to get in a couple of tastings of Central Pinot Noir in the next few weeks as a sort of precursor to heading up to Bannockburn for harvest myself for a few days.

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Riding out cycle

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Riding out cycle

A question I’m asked frequently is "how are things in Marlborough"?

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This season’s wines tell story of weather-tested vines

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This season’s wines tell story of weather-tested vines

NZ Wine sent out a media release this week regarding the grape harvest across NZ.

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Don't talk rot

Botrytis cinerea, or "Noble Rot". Photo: Getty Images

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Don't talk rot

On the international stage, sales of some of the most famous sweet and fortified wine styles such as Sauternes and Port have seen a significant drop-off.

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