If new experiences and places are on your wish list this summer, a visit to Kinross in Central Otago will go a long way to sating both your thirst and a desire for a new experience. The owner and general manager of Kinross, Thomas Moschetta, got in touch with me prior to Xmas to show his latest range of wines from the deep south; specifically from Central Otago's cool climate historically important winemaking valley - Gibbston, where Kinross is situated.
Gibbston Valley is the cool corridor that connects Cromwell to Queenstown and is one of the first two places where modern winemaking began in Otago (the other one being Alexandra - a story for another day).
These new releases represent one of Central Otago's key attributes in wine - freshness, which is a strong attribute of wines made from grapes grown in cool climates. The winemaker of Kinross wines is Matt Connell; one of the most experienced in the region and the plan in 2026 is to introduce some amphoras into the winemaking mix - for use as fermentation and ageing vessels.
"We are also big fans of French oak vats of all shapes and sizes," says Moschetta, "We are using 228L, 320L ‘cigare’ shapes and 500L) from various French forests. The idea is to build complexity and layers with different sizes, shapes and materials."
Find out more about Kinross wines here.
18.5/20
2025 Kinross Aura RRP $45
The words Blanc de Noirs are usually reserved for champagnes made entirely from Pinot Noir - blanc de noirs translates to 'white of black' - and here's a still wine take on the same theme. Pinot Noir is the lone star in this light pink wine with its fragrant Pinot-esque aromas of dried cherry, almonds and strawberries. This is a dry wine with fresh bright acidity driving each sip.
17.5/20
2025 Kinross Luminaire RRP $39
Pinot Noir Rosé is a South Island speciality and this classic fruit forward expression of lightly pressed, cool climate Pinot Noir has succulent acidity bringing depths of bold zingy interest to every sip.
2025 Kinross Liquid Gold Gibbston Pinot Noir RRP $39
Like tangy white pears and lemons; this wine tastes like an early harvest style with its fresh expression of a cool climate wine region - highlighting Gibbston Valley. Medium bodied in style, this wine has a crisp finish.
2025 Kinross Miner's Delight Gibbston Gewurztraminer RRP $45
If a bottle or three of this had been floating around Central Otago when gold mining was in full swing in the 1800s, I'm sure the gold mining community would have found plenty of delight in its fragrant, fleshy, sweet flavours. Attractive and intense aromas of rose flavoured Turkish Delight and a light hint of lychees say 'Gewurztraminer' from the first, full bodied sip. Enjoy it lightly chilled.
17.5/20
2024 Kinross The Prospector Gibbston Chardonnay RRP $
Cool climate Chardonnay from the heart of Gibbston Valley, this wine's light citrus aromas frame a smooth creamy palate and long finish in a wine with a medium body and vibrant acidity. Drink over the next two to three years and enjoy its flavour nuances of soft caramel with a tangy twist.
17.5/20+
2024 Kinross Storm Cloud Gibbston Pinot Noir RRP $55
Hand picked grapes from two vineyards in Gibbston Valley were blended together to bring this savoury scented, fruit forward wine to the glass with its notes of dark cherries, savoury spice and zingy long finish. Fresh acidity adds structure to this youthful, complex wine.
