It must be difficult being Cloudy Bay, because fame brings extra scrutiny and the question, ‘Does this brand offer value for money in the context of the wider region?’ In 2023, the Sauvignon Blanc silences its critics. Its vineyard may be much larger than...
This iconic vermouth was a phenomenal success from the outset across the Atlantic and was later immortalized by James Bond and his Dry Martini, a very simple and absolutely elegant cocktail. Dry vermouth is still acclaimed by bartenders and mixologists fr...
This has a complex nose of wild strawberries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts, thyme, nutmeg and bark. Sleek tannins with a creamy texture. Medium body. Silky, long and sophisticated with wonderful depth. From organically grown grapes. Even better after 2023. ...
The 2019 Te Wahi Pinot Noir hails from Central Otago (to be clear), but I’ve included it in the Marlborough report, given the estate is based there. Bottled in very heavy Burgundy glass and under natural cork, this wine leads with savory, earthy notes of ...
Key vineyards: Widows, Motukawa and Estate. Hand-picked selected lots within blocks. They're looking for the older vines. Less new oak than there used to be (though there is some sweet oakiness) and less ripe fruit. They start the ambient-yeast ferment in...