While I’m here in New Zealand, as well as tasting wine I’m making an effort to drink some too. The challenge for writers and critics is to be relevant to…
A vertical of the single-vineyard wines from Giesen, a forward-thinking Marlborough producer
The next stage in my exploration of interesting developments in Marlborough, New Zealand’s key wine region, was visiting Giesen. Giesen are a sizeable producer in Marlborough, but over the last…
The wines of Folium, Marlborough, with Takaki Okada
While I’ve been in Marlborough, one of my goals has been to dig a bit deeper under the skin of this, New Zealand’s largest wine region, to find the interesting…
Two superb Kiwi Chardonnays: Black Estate Home and Tony Bish Golden Egg
Just been for a short break in Akaroa, and tried a couple of very nice Chardonnays. One was from Tony Bish, long-time Hawke’s Bay winemaker with Sacred Hill who has…
Some Kiwi Pinot: Seresin, Astrolabe, Saint Clair, The Elder
I’ve been drinking a fair bit of Kiwi Pinot Noir of late. Here are a few notes of good bottles consumed. The Elder Pinot Noir 2014 Martinborough, New Zealand 14%…
New releases from star Marlborough producer Dog Point
I tried these new releases from Dog Point, another of the leading wineries in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, where I’m staying for a while. They are such characterful…
The wines of Te Whare Ra, Marlborough, New Zealand
Last week, I popped into Te Whare Ra to taste the new releases. This is one of the most interesting producers in Marlborough. When the vineyard was originally planted by…
Gamay 36, Mount Edward Muirkirk Vineyard Gamay 2017
Had this last night at Scotch Bar in Blenheim. It’s a new wine from Mount Edward, and it’s a Gamay with no additions at all, including sulphites. And it’s utterly…
Walking the Abel Tasman
This weekend Nat and I headed off to spend a couple of days walking the Abel Tasman Track, a stunning route at the top of the South Island. To do…