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
Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked North Canterbury Riesling 2020
Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked North Canterbury Riesling 2020 (750ml) $46 Make no mistake, the Aria is an aristocrat amongst southern hemisphere sweet wines. Now I know full well that I’m not supposed to encourage any sort of over-indulgence, however, it’s going to be really hard enforcing the moderation message once this utterly excellent thing … Read More
Two Rivers Brookby Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020
Two Rivers Brookby Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 $55 Organically grown in the deep clay soils of the Southern Valleys, this pinot was wild-fermented (up to 25% whole bunch) then aged for between 12 and 18 months in French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered (hence the slight cloudiness) and given a further year … Read More
Pyramid Valley Springs North Canterbury Chardonnay 2020
Pyramid Valley Springs North Canterbury Chardonnay 2020 $85 Part of their new ‘Pastures’ collection (which replaces the original appellation series developed by founders Claudia and the late Mike Weersing), it’s crafted from organically farmed, own-rooted, 40+ yo vines, the oldest chardonnay vines in the area. And it’s stunning stuff. Why? Because from the second you … Read More
Carrick Organic Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2021
Carrick Organic Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2021 $28 For this vintage, a squeak of residual sugar (just 2.6g/l) has it still feeling cleansing and crunchy-crisp, yet there’s a touch more fullness and weight in the mouth. Bright apple and lime and green pear, it has vitality and energy and excellent length of flavour. From their Arthur’s … Read More
Jules Taylor Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2022
Jules Taylor Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2022 $25-$27 With cleansing pear, creaming soda, white nectarine, wildflowers and soft, peppery notes, this grüner wins points for freshness and complexity for sure. Nutty notes alongside subtle fennel, juicy acidity and Pacific Queen apple notes give the palate something to grip onto as well. Jules Taylor
Carrick Central Otago Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Pinot Noir 2021
Carrick Central Otago Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Pinot Noir 2021 $80 This single-block, single clone wine is named for the couple who established this Bannockburn vineyard, Sue and Bill Arthur “The 2021 Arthur’s is the inaugural release of this wine, having always stood out as a unique and interesting portion of the Bannockburn Estate blend, we … Read More
Canella Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco ‘Millesimato’ 2014
Canella Prosecco Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene ‘Millesimato’ 2014 $30 It might say ‘extra dry’ on the label, but make no mistake, this plucky prosecco is packed with apple, pear and soft lemony loveliness, a seam of piercingly vibrant acidity and real generosity in the mid palate. Serve super-chilled to enjoy the flintiness on the finish. Prosecco is made … Read More
Pyramid Valley Colours Collection North Canterbury Rosé 2022
Pyramid Valley Colours Collection North Canterbury Rosé 2022 $39.99 The image on the label is of a mallow flower, a plant endemic in Pyramid’s vineyards and gardens, and the wine inside is crafted from some of the oldest, organically, biodynamically-grown pinot noir vines in New Zealand. I love the raspberry leaf layers, and soft, floral … Read More
Two Rivers Clos Des Pierres Marlborough Chardonnay 2022
Two Rivers Clos Des Pierres Marlborough Chardonnay 2022 $30 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
Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020
Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $45 It’s been a long time between Orchard Block pinots with the last one being back in 2017! The western boundary of this, (the most sheltered part of the vineyard), is an orchard of cider apple trees and the handpicked fruit is fermented in a small … Read More
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021 $39 2021 was a sensational year for Gimblett Gravels syrah due to it being cool, even and dry. Remember dry summers? Ah the memories. Each sniff erupts with classic florals and defined blueberry and black pepper notes which provide a ladder climbing down to a spice-saturated palate edged with … Read More
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019 $65 I love the way this wine smells of popcorn, bacon, grilled grapefruit and roasted peaches drizzled in vanilla and butterscotch sauce. It’s so fresh, energetic and vibrantly nutty. A Virtuoso chardonnay is only attempted in exceptional years, from a selection of Mat Donaldson’s best barrels produced from fruit grown … 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.
