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!
Wairarapa
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
Matahiwi Holly South Series Chardonnay 2017
Matahiwi Holly South Series Chardonnay 2017 $33 The Holly South Series Chardonnay is from the southern Chardonnay planting in the ‘home’ vineyard at Matahiwi, just outside of Masterton. The vines were planted back in 2013 but it took 3 years before they were ready to produce enough fruit to make into a wine. So this … Read More
Gladstone Estate Wairarapa Viognier 2016 $25 (5 stars)
Hands down, this is one of my favourite drinks of the season. Owner-slash-winemaker Christine Kernohan has done it again with this fresh, intensely floral viognier that just screams spiced citrus, jasmine and classic apricot kernel characters in every mouthful. Luxuriously tropical, it also hits that sweet spot of beautifully balanced, zingy acidity that so many … Read More
Gladstone Wairarapa Rosé 2016 $25 (4.5 stars)
I adore the pink diamond-ballet shoe hue of this gorgeous little pinot rose from down Gladstone way and I love its seductive, candied aromas and layers of raspberry, creaming soda and juicy red fruits on the palate. Boasting classic cherry and berries and cream characters alongside lip-puckering acidity makes this absolutely magical. Organically produced by … Read More