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. 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

View my contact page or give me a call

CHECK OUT THE LATEST REVIEWS

Keep up with the very latest below or browse for your favourite reviews

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022

January 31, 2023

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022 $25 If you were wishing for a sweetly-styled, bog-standard, boring old pinot gris then, that’s very odd because who wants that? I’m forever on the hunt for something showing bright nashi and zesty citrus layers, hints of nutmeg and apple strudel spices and showing a solid, dry finish. That’s … Read More

Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco & Prosecco Rosé

January 30, 2023

Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco $15 If you’re looking for a vibrant, apple and lemon-layered sparkler with a splash of sweetness and a pang of pear drop on the finish, then here’s your thing Chandler Bing. Clean, floral and feisty – it has a zippy, refreshing texture that’ll please even the most jaded crowds. Brown … Read More

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

January 30, 2023

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 $28 (only avail in 6pk) Russet, rose gold in the glass and pinging with fresh apricot and citrus flavours, this rosé is ultra-refreshing and juicy in all the right places. Mineral-edged, elegantly proportioned, it has good density and length of flavour and it’s a style that’ll have … Read More

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2022

January 30, 2023

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2022 $28* A vibrant, classically-styled pinot gris with quince, nashi and nutmeg notes on the nose and palate and has tangy richness in the mid-palate and a decent, dry finish. Made my Antony Worch, winemaker to many Central Otago stars, this pinot gris has Autumn afternoon cheese platter written … Read More

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2021

January 30, 2023

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2021 ($tbc) Very golden in the glass and possesses a slightly sweet-sour, botrytis and white pepper character on the nose and palate. Consumed ultra-chilled tends to accentuate the citrus and quince characters – however it’s not as varietal and refined as other Penkridge vintages I’ve tasted.

Astrolabe Taihoa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021

January 27, 2023

Astrolabe Taihoa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $36 In Maori, ‘taihoa’ means to wait, to not be in a hurry, and the fruit from this vineyard has clearly been given the time and care it needs to create serious yum-factor. Winemaker Simon Waghorn wild – fermented Kēkerengū-grown fruit from the southernmost part of Marlborough in old, … Read More

Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

January 26, 2023

Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $32 Super-juicy and laced with floral complexity, a slick of salinity and soft citrus rushing across the senses in every sip. Hints of apple and lime wrap around a core of subtle passionfruit and lemongrass. It’s a satisfyingly fresh and energetic sauvignon with plenty of personality and a … Read More

Leveret Estate IQ Methode Traditionnelle Premium Brut NV

January 26, 2023

Leveret Estate IQ Methode Traditionnelle Premium Brut NV $19 This Méthode Traditionnelle (the same method of making Champagne) is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier that’s been disgorged after a minimum of 18 months on its yeast lees (the residue leftover from the ferment). These guys have been making high-end sparkling wine … Read More

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019

January 26, 2023

Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 $40* If elegance and statuesque style is what you’re after in a pinot noir, then best you squeeze into your Nancy Ganz because the Penkridge Farm 2019 is the stovepipe, the skinny jean, the cigarette pant of pinot. Bright cranberry and tamarillo merge with earthy, softly spiced layers … Read More

Astrolabe Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

January 26, 2023

Astrolabe Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $23-$27 Boasting that unmistakable Awatere Valley florality, this sauvignon has a refreshing, peach blossom perfume, basil, soft passionfruit and a hint of lawn clippings on the nose and palate. Zesty textures and a clean, linear mouthfeel add buoyancy and complexity to its lime-laced finish. Nice one Astrolabe! Astrolabe … Read More

Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Syrah 2020

January 20, 2023

Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Syrah 2020 $40 There must be something in the water over in the upper Wairau Valley where the Rose family grow their grapes because it seems as though every single wine they make walks away with various shades of heavy metal from wine competitions here and abroad. This syrah is no … Read More

Richmond Plains Supernova Nelson Sparkling Rosé 2022

January 20, 2023

Richmond Plains Supernova Organic Nelson Sparkling Rose 2022 $25.99 Just like its namesake, this new sparkling wine from one of New Zealand’s pioneering organic wineries delivers an explosion of bright berries, redcurrant, tropical tones and nectarine niceness on both the nose and palate.  It’s plump, plush, silky, creamy and super-succulent to sip no matter the … 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. Broadcast on Food TV (SKY ch.9), 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.