Wine Reviews

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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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Spritzes, rosés, reds — taste of summer that wasn’t

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Spritzes, rosés, reds — taste of summer that wasn’t

Summer's failure to make an appearance this year scuppered my plans for today’s trio of mixed pairs, but all is not lost.

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Cans, casks also play part as wine containers

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Cans, casks also play part as wine containers

Bottles remain far, far and away the dominant form of packaging for the sale and consumption of wine, but alternatives do exist.

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Impressive sextet of Chardonnays from around South Is

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Impressive sextet of Chardonnays from around South Is

Today's lineup really is a "sextet of sizzling Shardonnay" (yes, I do recognise the spelling mistake ... it’s just me being prone to alliteration).

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Rewards if you hang on to pinot

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Rewards if you hang on to pinot

I have indulged in a few older pinot noirs from the cellar over the holiday period, so I enjoyed the chance to taste through this wonderful selection of current release wines

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