(Marlborough) Grown in the Waihopai Valley, this wine has that “Marlborough factor” in abundance. Citrus and apple notes are lifted …
The sauvignon blanc crown has vacated “Blenheim Palace” and headed south to Central Otago. Pulling off the coup was this …
Another 2013 takes the second spot, indicating this fine vintage still has lots to offer. Green-edged (a touch of gooseberry), …
Admired for the virtuosity behind its winemaking and its long, harmonious finish, this wine won over the panel from the …
The grapes for this perennial star are drawn from various sites in the Awatere Valley. This new release shows leads …
Aromatically lively (passionfruit notes tempered with a little flintiness), this Nelson wine is totally seductive. Green herbal and yellow Mirabelle …
This 2013 grown at the “sea end” of the Wairau Valley is just hitting its straps. It has plenty of …
“Very appealing in a lighter vein – it has generosity without sweetness,” said John Belsham of this wine. Spicy and …
Don’t be fooled by the restrained aromatics – there’s plenty of excitement in the mouth. Leaning towards the greener end …
This wine has plenty of herbal and musky interest, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Cut grass, white pepper …
Now part of the Foley Family Wines group, Grove Mill continues its quality tradition. “I like the complex palate – …
So often, Palliser’s second-tier Pencarrow label outpaces more fancied (and pricier) rivals. This version is a gorgeous mouthful – flinty, …
Tarras began as a Central Otago pinot noir specialist before widening its portfolio to include this charming, flavoursome Marlborough sauvignon. …
Drawn from plantings in the upper Wairau Valley, this great value wine is made by Evan Ward. Yellow peach and …
Made from select parcels grown in the Awatere Valley, this wine was naturally fermented in old French oak. It’s a …
From an inland corner of the sprawling Yealands Estate winery comes the parcel of fruit winemaker Tamra Kelly-Washington uses to …
This 2012 shows great form, with its creamy, fleshy mouth feel and gentle persistence. Tropical fruit flavours make most of …
This young wine from one of the country’s oldest names is less strident than most of its vintage. Yellow fruit …
This is an attractive alternative-style expression. Barrel fermentation and lees work has put a distinctive flintiness and white peach signature …
The only Hawke’s Bay wine among our top-place-getters, this was grown in the elevated Matapiro sub-region. It is a fresh, …
Te Koko was one of the first wines to explore sauvignon’s new frontiers (barrel fermentation, wild ferment and the like). …
Another gorgeous drop from one of Marlborough’s most consistent performers. This wine is full of flinty, barrel ferment intrigue built …
This is typical of the Fromm sauvignon blanc style – lean, minerally and linear. Don’t be fooled by the lack …
Another ‘sauvignon with attitude’ from the Giesen stable, this is a creamy, rich wine which flows with elegance and panache. …
August Giesen was a sommelier and the grandfather of the three German brothers behind Marlborough’s Giesen label. This delightful, complex …
This quality-driven label’s wines are organically grown and always worth seeking out. Minerality, fresh green herbs and a touch of …
Canterbury is represented by this bold, sharply priced wine. It is well endowed with flinty complexity, while zesty green fruit …
Grown in the heart of Central Otago pinot country and made with care by the experienced Matt Dicey, this wine …
This new release from Marlborough offers great value for money. Elegant fresh herb notes lead from the first sniff, with …
Before he was a wine, Russian Jack was an amiable Wairarapa swagman from years gone by (although to be honest …
From Jackson Estate’s second tier label, this is another great advertisement for the 2013 vintage. The fruit is ripe and …
“This is a great modern style – but it must have food!” said Cameron Douglas, referring to the wine’s savoury, …
Now part of the Villa Maria stable, the Te Awa Left Field is a tightly wound rendition, made from Marlborough …
Thornbury winemaker Simon Fell does great work with fruit sourced from around the country, as evinced by this enticing expression. …
This label regularly rates highly in Cuisine tastings. This version is typically fresh and fragrant, shimmying across the palate with …
This is an excellent example of the quality 2014 could deliver. Creamy in texture, with yellow fruit flavours and a …
“Only from Marlborough!” this wine hollers. The scents are all nettles and green herbs, while in the mouth spicy red …
Wild broom scents are the precursor to a concentrated mouthful with a warm, caressing texture. The flavours are redolent of …