I’m super-proud to be the co-founder and CTO (Chief Tasting Officer) of WineFriend, the greatest personalised wine delivery service in all the land. Founded in 2015, we match wine to people. We help our subscribers navigate the crazy-vast number of wines out there in the marketplace by pairing them with wines that only suit their individual tastes. Wines that are delicious, unique and definitely not seen in your average supermarket. Read more about WineFriend
Jules Taylor Marlborough Chardonnay 2023
Jules Taylor Marlborough Chardonnay 2023 $25 I am LOVING. This. Chardonnay! Jules clearly had a blinder of a vintage in 2023 because this wine absolutely roars with ripe stonefruit and is prickled with pineapple, and luscious lemon and then crammed with creamy cashew and almond notes to flesh out a finish fanging with flavour. Juicy … Read More
Oraterra Martinborough Pinot Gris 2023
Oraterra Martinborough Pinot Gris 2023 $45 A supremely elegant and stylishly structured pinot gris from a talented team led by ex-Dry River winemaker Wilco Lam. Scented with poached quince, nutmeg-sprinkled baked apple, soft peach and spice. The palate is juicy, generously proportioned yet refreshing and cleansing. Summer fruits, creamy textures, and a long, complex finish … Read More
Rock Ferry The Corners Vineyard Marlborough Cabernet Franc 2023
Rock Ferry The Corners Vineyard Marlborough Cabernet Franc 2023 $47.90 A deliciously vibrant Cabernet Franc from one of Marlborough’s organic viticulture pioneers. It’s a wine perfumed with smoked blueberry, fresh tobacco, bright berries, bay leaf, soft herbaceousness and a lick of earthy complexity. Fresh, energetic and showing luscious, softly prickly tannins, plush textures and a … Read More
Three Fates Gordon Russell Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2024
Three Fates Gordon Russell Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2024 $40 From Ian and Linda Quinn’s Two Terraces vineyard out in Mangatahi west of Hastings, this wild-fermented collaboration between Holly, Hester and Casey from Three Fates, and Holly’s father Gordon Russell (ex-Esk Valley) one of New Zealand’s pioneer Chenin Blanc masters. Aromas of mandarin, jasmine, peach … Read More
Saorsa No Paseran Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2021
Saorsa No Paseran Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2021 $120 Spanish for Thou Shalt Not Pass – associated with Spanish Civil War, intensely aromatic, and pepper-violet stacked style, classically styled and has mid-palate punch. Dark plum and spice, tobacco.
Two Rivers Clos des Pierres Marlborough Chardonnay 2023
Two Rivers Clos des Pierres Marlborough Chardonnay 2023 $30-$35 Crafted from Mendoza, Clone 15 and B95 fruit grown in their Spring and Hawkesbridge vineyards that was wild fermented then aged for 8 months in French oak and given a full malolactic ferment, this chardonnay is a deliciously clean, youthful, saline-laced, and citrus stacked style. Elongated … Read More
Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Marlborough Rosé 2024
Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Marlborough Rosé 2024 $23 Crafted by winemaker Dave Clouston in the style of a zesty, juicy, Provençal style, this new vintage carries on the luscious legacy of one of New Zealand’s most sought-after rosés. Crammed with soft cranberry, watermelon and red apple crunchiness, it’s a perfectly perky, quartzy-fresh and saturated … Read More
Folding Hill Central Otago Chardonnay 2022
Folding Hill Central Otago Chardonnay 2022 $35 An attractive, apple-led style with grilled grapefruit and baked, Golden Delicious peach notes on the nose alongside a vein of creamy complexity on the palate. It’s a cleansing, fresh, multilayered style with a whiff of oak and a spine that spins on the lemony, citrus spectrum and finishes … Read More
Misty Cove 1203 Limited Release Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023
Misty Cove 1203 Limited Release Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023 $45 After years of building a reputation for turning out excellent-value wines, the Misty Cove kids have released their even excellent-er range called 1203. Made with grapes grown in their Fareham Lane vineyard, this wine is inspired by Mount Stokes, the highest point in the Marlborough … Read More
Misty Cove Landmark Series Marlborough Riesling 2024
Misty Cove Landmark Series Marlborough Riesling 2024 $24.99 Intense lime and gorgeous Granny Smith goodness roars forth in every sniff and sip. Laced with quartzy minerality and a stitch of salinity, it’s an ultra-refreshing, cheek-slapping style with hints of honeysuckle and a soft ribbon of creaminess coursing through it. Misty Cove
Le Contesse Prosecco DOC Extra Dry NV
Le Contesse Prosecco DOC Extra Dry NV $tbc Attractively clean, floral and laced with green apple and fresh lemon layers. ‘Extra Dry’ actually means (in a delightfully Italian way) that there’s a splash of sweetness in the wine, and not only does that inject richness into the Contesse, but is adds creamy complexity to the … Read More
Oraterra Martinborough Chardonnay 2023
Oraterra Martinborough Chardonnay 2023 $70 Labelled with an artwork by Leanne Williams “In The Presence” and crafted by a team which began life at Dry River wines, this chardonnay has impressive creamy complexity, aromas of baked stonefruit and fennel are licked with pineapple and butterscotch. All these elements osmose across the palate and are bolstered … Read More
Thirsty Work is a television show that unearths some of the personalities behind New Zealand’s successful and innovative Wine and Beverage Industry. Originally broadcast on Food TV (SKY ch.9) then on TV3 with subsequent eps on Amazon Prime, Thirsty Work soaks up New Zealand’s beverage landscape. Not just vineyards, but barrel halls, tank rooms, cellar doors, wine stores, supermarkets, breweries and backyard vignerons.
Missed Series 4 of Thirsty Work? Fret not, just click here to zoom directly to view on demand.
