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...
The 2020 Pinot Noir is lithe and lean, with very fine exotic spice (star anise, fennel, et al.) and dark fruit in the mouth. This lingers as it quietly unfurls with nuance and detail in spades. This is lovely, elegant, restrained and very good. It’s not l...
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...