When Sophie Parker-Thomson and Matt Thomson launched their Blank Canvas wine brand in 2013, they shared a vision to create wines that would become an emblem of site and place. Ten years on, their latest Pinot Noirs definitively show their commitment to that vision with both Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc showing two sides to their respective vinous coins, in terms of winemaking influence (lees work in Sauvignon Blanc, for instance) and choice of place (particularly for Pinot Noir).
Blank Canvas is a member of Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW), an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the authenticity of wines bearing the Marlborough name. AMW requires that wines labelled 'Marlborough' contain 100% Marlborough-grown grapes - a standard far more stringent than the legal minimum of 85%.
Here are my reviews of the latest wines from Blank Canvas.
Two sides of the same coin: Pinot Noir in contrast
Pinot Noir, that most mercurial of grapes, reveals its dual nature through two distinct vineyard expressions, each shaped by place, timing and decisions made in the vineyard and winery.
17.5/20
2023 Blank Canvas Upton Downs Vineyard Pinot Noir RRP $75
This Marlborough Pinot Noir speaks of youth and freshness with an edgy tension lending the wine a lively vibrancy. Its character leans toward red cherry aromas with energetic acidity suggesting a Pinot Noir with youth on its side and a savoury spice note in this wine with its taut structure and potential to age further.
18.5/20
2023 Blank Canvas Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir RRP $75
Central Otago shines in this paradoxically lightly fragranced, full bodied and deeply rich tasting Pinot Noir. The Anthem Vineyard expresses a testament to meticulous viticulture in this smooth, seductive wine, driven by bold acidity framing a plush, fruit-forward palate with black cherry and red plum aromas intertwining with darker, brooding undertones. This is drinking superbly now and has at least another five to six years up of evolution up its sleeve.
2024 Blank Canvas Axehouse Vineyard Grüner Veltliner RRP $42
The commitment to diversity elevates the integrity and regional fidelity of wines like the medium bodied, refreshing and savoury tasting Axehouse Vineyard Grüner Veltliner. It is a wine shaped by Marlborough’s soils, climate, and character, standing as an expression of a little known grape and well known place. A wine to watch.
2025 Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc RRP $32
Here's a fresh, bright style of modern Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with youthful vibrancy and fresh green fruit notes, intermingling with well balanced aromas of light tropical fruit sitting in a medium bodied wine.
2024 Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc RRP $60
Released in February this year (2026), Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc is a very youthful style with depth and lees influence from the barrel ferment influence. It drinks well now and is a thoughtful expression of the most popular grape in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will evolve further.
Chill this wine lightly and enjoy it in a large glass to allow its fragrance and complex style to reveal themselves.
Learn more about and buy Blank Canvas wines here.
