Brian Bicknell has made wine in the Marlborough region since 1989, so he knows the region pretty well. But he’s also had spells abroad, providing much needed context. Most significantly,…
Novum, an exciting new producer from Marlborough
Scratch below the surface and there’s lots of interesting stuff going on in Marlborough. Here’s an example. Will and Rachel Hoare have just launched their new label, Novum, which focuses…
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…
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…
In New Zealand (for a very long time)
For the last week I have been in New Zealand. It’s my fourth trip here this year, and it will also be my longest ever: I’m staying here until the…
Pyramid Valley Vineyards Kerner Estate Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2007
In addition to making their own highly-regarded estate wines, Pyramid Valley have also made a series of negociant bottlings from interesting vineyard sites across New Zealand, and this Pinot Blanc…
New Zealand Pinot Noir: some top examples from Marlborough
I’ve tasted a lot of New Zealand Pinot Noir over recent weeks. Here are some of my favourite picks from Marlborough. This is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and it…