I was expecting to have to put on my diplomatic face when discussing this wine, navigating through it looking fade
Category: nz wine
Coming up rosés
New Zealand Rosé production has grown apace, following the global trend. Currently rosé is the fastest growing wine style domestically as well as the fourth largest export category – 2020’s export volumes were 10 times that of 2010. There’s even a dedicated Rosé Day each February. Astrolabe recently released two rather beautifully labelled examples that…
Radburnd Cellars : New Releases
Veteran Hawke’s Bay winemaker Kate Radburnd has over 35 years of experience, including 26 years as head winemaker of Pask Wines. In 2017 Kate established her own label; Radburnd Cellars, focused on making three wines – chardonnay, syrah and merlot cabernet – that she says represent “my absolute best without compromise.”
Dicey : New Releases
Fans of Central Otago producer Ceres need not worry the wines have disappeared. Instead, under the new label Dicey, the pair continue to craft wines from their Bannockburn vineyards.
You say Te Mata…
Te Mata has a long-established and rather enviable reputation in New Zealand but appear not to rest upon their laurels nor resist change. The past few years have seen the passing of the torch from long-time senior winemaker Peter Cowley to Phil Brodie – a seamless transition given Phil’s near 30-year tenure making wine at Te Mata…
Greystone : new releases
North Canterbury’s Greystone, always one of NZ’s most interesting producers, has really hit its stride with the last couple of vintages. A great deal of care in the vineyard results in pristine fruit that allows winemaker Dom Maxwell to continue to evolve the style of the wines
2017 Doctors Flat Pinot Noir
Davies makes tiny quantities of just the one wine (so tiny that when Steve once opened up the shipping container behind his house to reveal all 14 barrels, I felt almost embarrassed to be withdrawing any wine for tasting).
Pleasures old and new – 2014 Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay
As someone who cannot resist adding yet another book to already teetering piles, the creeping fear of needing to live to 500 to read them all is very real. The pleasure then of rereading a favourite book is an infrequent one, but when it occurs it is a very real pleasure indeed.
Domain Road : new releases
Established in 2002, Domain Road is a reliable, no nonsense producer making a range of intelligent wines. At a time when everyone seems to be experimenting and pushing boundaries, owners Graeme and Gillian Crosbie are content to leave the winemaking to Pete Bartle, who adds just the right amount of character.
Seifried Estate : new releases
Established in 1973 by Hermann and Agnes Seifried, over the last 40-odd years the family (children Heidi, Christopher and Anna are now part of Team Seifried too) has crafted a range of strongly varietal wines that reflect their Nelson origins.
2018 Matawhero ‘Irwin’ Chardonnay
It has turned out to be a little run on chardonnay at the IWM; this time round a wine from a region where it is the dominant variety. Gisborne can often seem to get the short end of the straw in the NZ wine industry.
The Landing and Helio Chardonnays
It’s always fun when new faces and places cross one’s path. This week, the Landing Chardonnay made for the first entry of a Bay of Islands wine into my tasting spreadsheet, and Hawke’s Bay producer Helio was also a new name to me.