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…
Recently drunk: five impressive Kiwi Pinots
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…
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…