Huntress Waikura Wairarapa Rosé 2023 $30 ‘Waikura’ is a reference to the crimson-red glow in the sky in sunrise and sunset in Te Reo Māori and as soon as you pour this into your glass you’ll see how the colour is deep and glowing. Crafted using Abel clone pinot noir which has been soaked on … Read More
Wairarapa
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022 $38 A refreshingly spritzy style of rosé that roars with watermelon, crabapple and succulent salinity. Crunchy-crisp and mineral-drenched, it’s laced with soft herb and rhubarb notes and has a long, zesty finish. Nice work from one of Wairarapa’s smallest wineries. (Extra for Experts) Look out for some interesting new … Read More
Matahiwi Wild Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2021
Matahiwi Wild Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2021 $35-$44 Crafted by winemaker Liam Macklin*, this wild and woolly pinot has had 3 weeks on skins to extract colour and texture and then aged for 14 months in French oak to inject some smoky tones and according to Liam, it was created with “No additives, no fining, … Read More
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019 $39 What I really enjoy about this wine is its soft, floral aromas, lifted leather and spice layers and slippery, fleshy mouthfeel. It’s silky and lithe and shows lovely restraint and poise. The acidity is energetic and perky, yet the wine is developing some maturity and its tannins are … Read More
Gladstone Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2021
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2021 $24.99 There’s something in the deep, dry, rocky soils of the ancient terraces of the Ruamahanga River that gives Gladstone Vineyard’s pinot gris its deliciously dry superpowers. Spice-stacked and mineral-focused, it has a core (scuse the pun) of pear and green apple which provides the spine for crunchy acidity … Read More
Le Grá Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Le Grá Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $27 Re-tasted May 2023 and drinking beautifully- plush, tropical, deliciously complex. Much better after some time in bottle. Very yummy indeed. Sauvignon blanc from the Wairarapa is its own beast, floral, feisty and fanging with tree and citrus fruits. This Le Grá boasts fresh green apple, lemongrass and a … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Viognier 2019
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Viognier 2019 $28.99 The unmistakable aroma of orange zest, apricot and a little jiggle of jasmine tells you that this is going to be a great little viognier. Grown organically on the ancient rocky terraces above the Ruamahanga River, this is an ultra-bright, beautifully balanced example of a variety that’s notoriously difficult … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Estate Pinot Gris 2019
Gladstone Vineyard Estate Pinot Gris 2019 $25 Paired with: Braised Fennel with Lemon in Canvas Magazine in the NZ Herald March 12th 2022 The state of the world is all a bit bung, a bit pakaru and more than a tad huckery right now. So tuck yourself away with a few good friends, bake them … Read More
The Flying Winemaker Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019
The Flying Winemaker Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019 $29 From winemakers Eddie McDougall and Monty Petrie and their team comes a rhubarb-laced, spice-edged, wild strawberry-stacked pinot noir from their small but perfectly formed vineyard on the Gladstone terraces between Carterton and Martinborough. Soothing textures, easy-like-Sunday-morning tannins and a moreish, meaty note on the finish, makes this … Read More
TeePee Cider The Earl’s Drop Methode Albion Cider 2017
TeePee Cider The Earl’s Drop Methode Albion Cider 2017 750ml 6.7% $28 Created by retired radiologist Dr Trevor Fitzjohn ONZM, TeePee is a new artisan cider crafted from a tiny, organic, heritage, cider apple orchard in the Wairarapa. The grass which grows around the trees is kept manicured by the nibbly trimming of ever-present sheep. … Read More