Had a lovely evening with a few colleagues at Shop Eight in Christchurch. These two wines were really interesting. The alternative face of New Zealand wine.

Cambridge Road The Naturalist 2016 Nelson, New Zealand
11.5% alcohol. This pet nat is made from organically grown grapes from Nelson. It’s cloudy and beautifully expressive with a bit of spicy bite. Fresh with nice citrus, pear and ripe apples. There’s a bit of grapey sweetness and it finishes fresh. Lovely. 91/100

Black Star Field Blend 2016 Waitaki, New Zealand
This is co-fermented Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer from the cool region of Waitaki in north Otago. Served chilled, this has lovely mellow sweet cherries and plums. There’s some spiciness and herb and tea leaf notes. Lively and spicy with nice texture and fruit sweetness. Smooth and fresh with nice smoothness. Lots of interest here. 90/100