2023 was a tricky vintage in Hawke’s Bay, but this selection of Chardonnays impressed
Hawke’s Bay is proving to be an amazing region for Chardonnay, making some of New Zealand’s best examples. This was
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New Zealand
New Zealand Pinot Noir is in a good place! Tasting 27 examples from across the country
These wines were tasted at the new release tasting in London, October 2025. A good selection from across New Zealand
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North Canterbury, New Zealand (10) Pegasus Bay
Back in 1976, Christchurch neurologist Ivan Donaldson had caught the wine bug, and with some of his medical friends planted
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North Canterbury, New Zealand (9) Pyramid Valley
Pyramid Valley is one of New Zealand’s special vineyards. I first came across it on my debut visit to Aotearoa
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Blank Canvas, retelling the Marlborough story through some impressive single-vineyard wines
Website: https://blankcanvaswines.com/ Blank Canvas is the project of well-known Marlborough consultant winemaker Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson. Until very recently
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Appellation Marlborough Wine: the 2025 selection of Sauvignon Blanc
Website: https://www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/ Marlborough became famous because of Sauvignon Blanc, and it is the dominant grape variety planted in the region.
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North Canterbury, New Zealand (8) Greystone
Website: https://www.greystonewines.co.nz/ Greystone are extremely innovative in their approach. I visited with winemaker Dom Maxwell (who since this visit has
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The wines of Corofin, interpreting interesting Marlborough terroirs through the lens of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – updated with 2023 releases
For me, Corofin is one of Marlborough’s (and New Zealand’s) most exciting wine projects. The people behind it are Mike
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North Canterbury, New Zealand (7) Georges Road
Website: http://georgesroadwines.co.nz/ Kirk Bray was in wine class with Paul Pujol (now winegrower at Prophets Rock in Central Otago) at
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North Canterbury, New Zealand (6) Domaine Williams Raillard et B
While I was in North Canterbury I visited a new producer who has yet to release any wines. Next door
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