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…
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…
Adventures on New Zealand’s West Coast
I’ve always been fascinated by what I’ve heard about New Zealand’s South Island’s West Coast. People have told me that it is incredibly beautiful, remote and sparsely populated, and also…
A couple from Hawke’s Bay: Craggy Range and Sacred Hill
These impressed the other evening. Craggy Range Te Kahu 2014 Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 13.5% alcohol. 68% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc. This is…
IPNC: the non-Oregon Pinot Noirs
One of the great things about the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) is the chance to taste a wide range of Pinot Noirs from around the world. I’ve already written…
Three lovely Hawke’s Bay Chardonnays
Hawke’s Bay is becoming quite well known for its Chardonnay. It’s a grape that New Zealand hasn’t really owned in the same way as it has for Sauvignon Blanc and…
New releases from Neudorf, Nelson, New Zealand
Just tried a lovely set of new releases from leading Nelson winery Neudorf. Neudorf Rosie’s Block Chardonnay 2016 Nelson, New Zealand 13.5% alcohol. This has lovely richness, but because it’s…
Pet Nat focus (1) Kindeli La Lechuza
I’m beginning a series on Pet Nats! This is an interesting style of wine that’s becoming more popular. Also known as Methode Ancestrale, Pet Nat stands for Pétillant Naturel, and…