Cottier Gladstone Pinot Noir 2016 $28.50 Grown on that famous stretch of Wairarapa wine country, Dakins Road, this pinot noir captures the classic liquorice character which glows in many Gladstone district examples. It boasts an earthy backbone, loads of savoury character and a tonne of spice to cloak powdery tannins. Cherry and wild rhubarb dominate … Read More
Wairarapa
Matahiwi Wild Holly Pinot Noir 2019 $45
Matahiwi Wild Holly Pinot Noir 2019 $45 (to be released) Crafted by winemaker Ben McNab, this new vintage of the ‘Wild Holly’ is a step off the footpath and into the rugged, tufty, terrain on the outside of the norm. Whole clusters of hand-harvested berries were sorted, gently transferred to an open-top fermenter, then punched-down … Read More
Loopline Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018
Loopline Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018 $22 (not released, may be in new label) Bright ruby colour, intensely aromatic, clove, alspice, nutmeg, black tea, cocoa and wild cherry, solid acidity, tree bark, slight salinity, earthy edge yet has truckloads of flavour and a deep, dried herb, pepper – loads of good stuff here! It’s perfumed … Read More
Loopline Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2018
Loopline Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2018 $20 Grown just outside of Masterton on the Opaki Plains, this pinot gris is creamy-textured, yet dry and deliciously complex. Full and generously proportioned on the palate, with gum-tingling acidity and great length of flavour – the apple, quince and baked peach notes shine through. Love it!
Loopline Vineyard Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Loopline Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $20 Prepare for lemongrass, bruised basil, green apple, white flesh nectarine and a smashup of all things citrus in this snappy little sauvignon from the Wairarapa. Fresh, frisky and shows impressively squinty acidity.
Matahiwi Estate Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018
Matahiwi Estate Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018 $42.99 If you’re not a fan of overcooked, overextracted pinot, then this may definitely appeal. A classically-styled pinot noir with hints of tobacco and smoked cherry on the nose and palate, slippery and lush, lightly-structured, powdery tannins, and long, redcurrant and raspberry layers on the finish. www.matahiwi.co.nz
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018 $45 Do you know what’s freaky? If you look at the dark and sultry image of smoke and blossoms on the label, then sniff this wine, your brain will be assailed with charred roses, graphite, baked berries and cocoa. Singling out pinot noir from their ‘home’ vineyard just … Read More
Paddy Borthwick Falloon Block Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014
Paddy Borthwick Falloon Block Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014 $22 The Borthwick’s are Wairarapa pioneers in farming and grapegrowing and that they’re able to produce such fresh and fabulous pinot noir at this price is testament to their vast experience on the land. Classic black tea, seasoned leather, black guava and spicy cherry flavours merge with … Read More
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Chardonnay 2018
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Chardonnay 2018 $33 While the team at Matahiwi have been turning out cracking chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay for years now, the Holly South Series is all about celebrating their southern roots. Grown in their ‘Home’ vineyard near the winery, just outside of Masterton, this chardonnay is richly structured, with punchy … Read More
Matahiwi Estate ME Wairarapa Rosé 2019
Matahiwi Estate ME Wairarapa Rosé 2019 $19.99 Ultra-pretty in the glass, like bright, sparkly watermelon and raspberry-coloured, and while you’re sidetracked looking at it, the perfume of wild redcurrant and strawberry will sneak up and seduce you. SO mouthfilling and satisfying – it’s a fruit fest of plum, guava, buckets of berries, juicy spices and … Read More