Top drops | New releases | Wine reviews
These reviews highlight fresh new arrivals and notable well known wines (and their producers), offering insights on style, quality and price - that trio of factors that combines to bring meaning to wine.
2023 Novum Basket Press Syrah RRP $60
Reviewed 7 May 2026
What it tastes like
2023 Novum Basket Press Syrah
RRP $60
When William and Rachel Hoare planted one acre of Syrah in Marlborough seven years ago, they chose to plant their vines close, at 1.4 by 1.5 metres, with 5,600 plants per hectare and fruiting wires sitting at 500 millimetres off the ground to achieve optimum ripening with radiated heat. Add a little Viognier, which makes up three per cent of the vineyard area on this small site. And all up, it was a brave move to plant later ripening grape varieties in a wine region that's widely regarded as cool climate.
The resulting wine (the latest vintage being 2023) is a basket pressed Syrah with a deep ruby colour, an orange tinge to its rim and complex savoury aromas that suggest there's plenty of evolution in this wine's dry, full bodied style. Aromas of concentrated black berry, allspice and a subtle touch of cedar intermingle in a wine with complexity, silky textures and a lingering finish.
The aim was to make "A truly great Syrah", say William and Rachel.
It works. The aromatic intensity and palate weight both bring a seriousness to this southern Syrah, which belies its cool climate and brings new promise for this great grape variety in this country, albeit on a small scale.
Bravo.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
Syrah makes up a minuscule proportion of the vineyard area in Marlborough.
2016 Spy Valley S Block Syrah RRP $45
Reviewed 6 May 2026
What it tastes like
For many traditionalists, Syrah finds its greatest expression in the northern Rhone appellations of Cote Rotie, Crozes Hermitage and, depending on your point of view, other areas around the turns and twists of the northern Rhone. So here's a surprise - a Southern Hemisphere wine from the South Island of New Zealand. It's 10 years old with exceptional youth on its side - and great structure. If you like Syrah, this wine is a worth a taste.
6 May 2026
2016 Spy Valley S Block Syrah
RRP $45
The words Southern Valleys conjure up images of sun drenched sloping vineyards in Marlborough and are home to some of the highest quality grape varieties in the region, including small amounts of Syrah that go into wines like this one. Deep ruby in colour with delicate spicy aromas and deliciously dark ripe black plum flavours are underpinned by firm tannins and rich textural qualities. A tasty tannic grip adds power to the finish of every sip.
Incredibly quality at 10 years old, shining a light on the possibilities from one of Marlborough’s greatest vineyard areas.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
Syrah makes up a minuscule proportion of the vineyard area in Marlborough.
2024 Astrolabe Southern Valleys Sauvignon Blanc RRP $40
Reviewed 1 May 2026
What it tastes like
Riding the Southern Valleys Sauvignon Blanc wave for International Sauvignon Blanc Day
1 May 2026
2024 Astrolabe Southern Valleys Sauvignon Blanc RRP $40
Today is Friday 1 May, also known as May Day, and as International Sauvignon Blanc Day, which means it's a chance to try great alternative styles as well as well known and loved fruity fragrant little numbers.
This new brand from Astrolabe Wines in Marlborough is a compelling new wave style of Sauvignon Blanc, made entirely from an elevated vineyard site in the Southern Valleys sub-region.
Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, fermented on its yeast lees in stainless steel, the wine was aged in old French puncheons for about eight months, which brings noticeable depth and roundness of flavour and texture.
It was aged for a final two months in a new 3000 litre Austrian oak fuder (barrel), which adds a subtle wood tone, depth and mouthfeel, says winemaker Simon Waghorn - "I think the oak is quite subtle, but the time in wood on lees (yeast) has allowed the wine to round out and added to the mouthfeel."
It certainly has.
Compelling, complex and crisp, this is Sauvignon Blanc with all the hallmarks of textural depth written over every savoury taste.
It was made from first-cropping vines and grapes were picked at 23 brix.
Bravo to the Astrolabe wine team.
This is a top shelf Sauvignon with a refreshingly different flavour spectrum.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
Syrah makes up a minuscule proportion of the vineyard area in Marlborough.
2024 Astrolabe Southern Valleys Syrah RRP $65
Reviewed 28 April 2026
What it tastes like
Astrolabe's sensational new Syrah
2024 Astrolabe Beacon Hill Southern Valleys Syrah RRP $65
Is climate change seeing Syrah suddenly make an appearance in Marlborough's vineyards? It's not entirely new to the region but this newcomer from Astrolabe suggests an extremely bright future for the variety from the Southern Valleys sub-region.
Astrolabe is a shining light when it comes white winemaking in New Zealand, with its complex array of sub-regional expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Albariño and more so this red may come as a surprise - and it's an extremely tasty one.
This is a complex young Syrah from the Beacon Hill Vineyard in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough.
Deep purple in colour, this wine seduces with juicy mouthwatering fruit forward aromas - ripe Omega plums and blackberry - with complex savoury spice that comes through in layers of subtle cinnamon, black pepper and gentle cedar notes; all interwoven into the fleshy ripe flavours of this wine.
Firm tannins underpin the structure of this dry, youthful Syrah with firm palate weight bringing interest to every savoury sip. It's a beautiful Syrah to enjoy now - especially when decanted for a couple of hours - but will come into its own in three to four years (potentially longer) from now.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
Syrah makes up a minuscule proportion of the vineyard area in Marlborough.
2024 Greywacke Marlborough Riesling RRP $31.50
Reviewed 25 April 2026
What it tastes like
2024 Greywacke Marlborough Riesling RRP $31.50
Ashmore Vineyard in Marlborough is home to gravelly clay-loam soils that have more in common with the Southern Valleys than the vast Wairau Plains - and they're also home to the organically certified grapes in this wine. All were hand picked and fermented in a 50/50 combination of stainless steel (to retain fruity fresh aromatic appeal) and old French oak barriques (to soften the bold acidity of Riesling).
Aromas of fresh citrus zest shine in this wine - think: ripe sweet lemons, limes and tangerines - with great concentration of flavour.
Incredibly young and vibrant now, this Riesling is balanced by 18 appealing grams of residual sugar, which brings incredible appeal, making this wine taste deliciously succulent and balanced.
A little sweetness? Absolutely - and it works a treat in the lingering lusciousness of this new wine.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
2023 Soho Family Vineyards Revolver Merlot blend, Waiheke Island RRP $60
Reviewed 25 April 2026
What it tastes like
2023 Soho Family Vineyards Revolver Merlot blend, Waiheke Island RRP $60
Winemaker Pete Turner pays homage to right bank Bordeaux blends in this wine, whose ripe dark fruit flavours and plush soft mid palate highlight the best of Merlot's depth and rounded ripeness.
All grapes in this wine are hand picked and the blend varies each year, in this vintage, it's led by Merlot with the bold powerful perfumed black fruit of Malbec and beautiful floral fragrance of Cabernet Franc - with a twist of blackcurrant leaf for good measure. There's a lot to love in this powerful Waiheke Island red right now but - and it's an extremely positive 'but' - it has outstanding ability to age too; for at least a decade.
A keeper and a beautiful wine now.
Origin - Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the best known jewel in the Hauraki Gulf's island-studded crown; situated about 40 minutes' ferry ride from Auckland city and home to a large number of small(ish) vineyards and wineries.
Soho Family Vineyards owns a vineyard site at Onetangi on the island (and also sources grapes for its wines from other areas).
Sub-tropical and characterised by some sandy soils, Waiheke makes some outstanding wines from later ripening red varieties as well as full bodied Chardonnays - and small volumes of other white wines.
2025 Novum Marlborough Rosé RRP $32
Reviewed 21 April 2026
What it tastes like
2025 Novum Marlborough Rosé RRP $32
Novum is the brainchild of William and Rachel Hoare, grape growers, winemakers and lovers of 'fine wine', except their fine stuff is made with affordable prices in mind, relatively speaking.
Dry as a bone with bright, crisp, red berry flavours and a twist of citrus on the finish; this lively new release was made hand picked grapes which were fermented in stainless steel to complete dryness. A smidgeon - 10% of the wine - was blended in from a Pinot Noir ferment destined to make red wine, using the saignée method (French for 'bleeding off' fermenting wine - which concentrates colour and adds delicious crunch and juiciness to rosés).
Novum is Latin for 'new' or a more accurate translation might have it as 'new thing'. It's an apt summation of the entire New Zealand wine scene as well as of this brand, owned by Will and Rachel.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape variety in Marlborough but lags a long way behind the vast 25,157 hectares (in 2025) of the region's vineyards that are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc.
2024 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Marsanne Roussanne RRP $39.99
Reviewed 20 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Marsanne Roussanne RRP $39.99
Marsanne and Roussanne are two of the three great whites of France's Rhone Valley and something a rarity here in New Zealand, which makes this wine a bit of a treasure - and it tastes it too.
All grapes were grown on the Gimblett Gravels, hand picked and fermented in wood; a combination of 228-litre French oak barriques and 500-litre oak puncheons. Both bring smooth textured, qualities to balance the bright, bold acidity that lends a reviving lemony note to the toasted nut aromas and taste.
It's to the credit of Trinity Hill Wines that this fleshy, fresh, full bodied and incredibly bright tasting white features in Trinity Hill winery's stable.
It outperforms on all fronts.
Origin - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay
The first grapes to be planted on the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay were in 1981 and the area - officially known as the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District (GGWD) now has over 800 hectares of grapes, the vast majority (approximately 90%) of it devoted to mid-season to late-ripening red grapes. The balance is Chardonnay and a little Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne - the last trio being the great whites of the Rhone Valley in France where they are typically blended together. Sometimes they are even blended, in judiciously small volumes and in varying proportions, with Syrah.
2024 Tohu Marewa Sauvignon Blanc RRP $35
Reviewed 17 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Tohu Marewa Sauvignon Blanc RRP $35
Marewa Sauvignon Blanc is part of the newest range of wines from Tohu, made from hand picked grapes grown on part of the Whenua Awa Vineyard in the upper Awatere Valley in Marlborough.
Its flavour spectrum is broad and complex with creamy notes from 30% of the wine being fermented in 500-litre French oak puncheons. This adds tone and softness to the freshness of cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, which comes through with tropical fruit flavours with nuances of passionfruit, pineapple and tangy citrus. It drinks well now.
Origin - Awatere Valley, Marlborough
Awatere Valley is situated south of the vast Wairau Plains, which is regarded as Marlborough's main wine growing area - and is home to most of the grapes. That said, the Awatere is home to a significant number of vines and also a diverse environment. Stronger winds and cooler evening temperatures are key differentials here, producing a range of vibrancy in the grapes, particularly the whites.
2024 Craggy Gimblett Gravels Syrah RRP $44.95
Reviewed 13 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Craggy Gimblett Gravels Syrah RRP $44.95
Here's a new Syrah from an excellent vintage on the warm stony ground of the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay where late November saw high sunshine and long, warm days. This translates into a Syrah of impressive concentration from its deep purple colour to its dark spicy aromas and ripe plum fruit flavours, both combining in a bold, full bodied young red wine.
It's drinking well now with great depth of flavour and has a long life up its sleeve. Worthy of a spot in your wine collection to drink again in another seven to eight years - or even longer.
Origin - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay
The first Syrah to be planted on the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay was in 1982 by soil chemist, Alan Limmer, founder of Stonecroft Wines.
The Gravels area - officially known as the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District (GGWD) now has over 800 hectares of grapes, the vast majority (approximately 90%) of it devoted to mid-season to late-ripening red grapes with the balance being Chardonnay and a little Viognier.
GGWD is a sub-region of Hawke's Bay and has developed a reputation for excellent red wines, with a top 12 being selected independently every year by Master of Wine Andrew Caillard.
Craggy Range often features in the top 12.
2025 Craggy Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc RRP $29.95
Reviewed 9 April 2026
Tasting note
2025 Craggy Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc RRP $29.95
Cool southerly breezes, low rainfall and cloud cover in late spring/early summer led to an... interesting vintage in 2025 in Te Muna Valley. Winemaker Ben Tombs' response to this weather was to increase the component of hand picked grapes, use a higher proportion of barrel fermentation and longer ageing time on yeast lees than typical.
The result is a bracingly fresh expression of a cool vintage in a cool climate with vibrant tropical fruit depth of flavour tempered by beautifully balanced fresh herb aromas and a bright, lingering finish. There's texture too, in every lingering sip.
This wine drinks superbly well now and will evolve favourably for the next three to four years.
Origin - Te Muna Valley, Martinborough
Te Muna is Te reo Māori for 'special place' or 'secret place' and it's to the credit of Craggy Range (and a mere handful of other wineries situated there) that it is no longer a complete secret. This valley is situated at a higher altitude than Martinborough village and about nine kilometres east of it. The elevation brings about a later harvest, allowing the grapes a longer hang time on the vines - of between two to four weeks more - than vineyards around the village. It is also typically windier in Te Muna in spring time. These factors give wines from this valley a distinctive freshness and savoury flavour notes - both are decisive factors in great cool climate wines and they differentiate all wines from the wider Martinborough area as well as in this valley.
2025 Hunter's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc RRP $20.90
Reviewed 12 April 2026
Tasting note
2025 Hunter's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc RRP $20.90
Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc has been a scene stealer from the start when it first wowed the wine media and trade in the UK in the 1980s. This fresh new vintage is an excellent expression of a deliciously vibrant modern take on Sauvignon from one of the world's epicentres of the grape - Marlborough.
Flavours range from bright fruit vibes and notes of passionfruit, pineapple and citrus to medium bodied style with a smooth mid palate and juicy lingering freshness on the finish. Winemaker James McDonald describes it as a modern classic.
It's definitely that - and more, having won gold and silver medals at a range of competitions, both in New Zealand and further afield.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
The majority (25,157 hectares in 2025) of the region's vineyards are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc, which set the region firmly on the world's wine stage in the 1980s with early pioneers such as Hunter's Wines being early leading lights then - and now.
2020 Pegasus Bay Muscat RRP $30
Reviewed 8 April 2026
Tasting note
2020 Pegasus Bay Muscat RRP $20
If Muscat sounds like a blast from the past, meet this newcomer, which is a fresh release with five years' age up its deliciously complex, off-dry vinous sleeve; it contains 10.3 grams/RS, which sits nicely within its aromatic framework of ripe tangelos, a hint of lemon and powerful fragrant citrus flavours.
The Donaldson family founded, own and run Pegasus Bay Winery in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, where they have a few precious vines of Muscat. Some of it has found its way into high end blends of Sauvignon and Semillon; the rest makes small volumes of this exceptional and surprisingly dry-ish tasting wine.
Layered, lively and balanced exceptionally well with its crisp acidity.
Origin - Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Waipara Valley in North Canterbury is 40 minutes' drive north of Christchurch city and a world away in climate with hot summers, dry winds and a semi-continental flavour to the wines made here, even though it is only nine kilometres from the coast.
Sheltered by the Teviotdale Hills to the east, its springs are typically windy, its summers are usually arid and its winters are cool. This is a classic climate for great Pinot Noirs and aromatic white wines, both of which excel in this region in the South Island of new Zealand.
2023 Forager Pinot Noir RRP $55
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2023 Forager Pinot Noir RRP $55
This is the 11th release of Forager Pinot Noir and it has South Island, New Zealand Pinot stamped all over its flavoursome core of fragrant floral aromas. All grapes are hand picked with 10% whole cluster fermentation with a wild ferment in open top fermenters in the vineyard with light hand plunging daily. When fermentation ends, there is no plunging for final 10 days that the wines spend on skins. The wine is then gentle pressed to barrels where the wine and, in Dom's words, rested for 15 months. It's bottled unfined and unfiltered.
This vintage is a pale ruby-hued wine that's packed with red berry type flavours, held together in a firm structured core. It's a lighter vintage aromatically with a firm tannin structure that is a classic hallmark of North Canterbury's great Pinot Noirs.
Origin - Isolated Hill, North Canterbury
Isolated Hill lives up to its name in its remote location in the South Island of New Zealand. This hillside is home to a north-west facing, 0.7 hectare vineyard, 40 minutes north of Waipara Valley in North Canterbury and was planted in vines in 2000 at a high density with 5000 vines per 'hectare' (all in Pinot Noir clones 667 and Abel). The high density is to encourage the vines to reach deep into the limestone fissures in the hillside.
Forager is the name of the Pinot Noir that comes from this site. The brand was founded by winemaker Dom Maxwell, who makes the wine and manages the vineyard.
2025 Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay RRP $39.95
Reviewed 7 April 2026
Tasting note
2025 Tony Bish Heartwood RRP $39.95
If this sneak peak into the 2025 vintage in Hawke's Bay is anything to go by, look out for more greatness to come from a year that shone at the time and when the grapes were harvested and fermenting. Early results are now showing this is one of the Bay's great years.
This wine is a real step up Chardonnay made from hand picked grapes from Two Terraces Vineyard Kokomo Farms Vineyard; all whole bunch pressed into a mixture of new and seasoned French oak for 11 months then blended.
The result is a full bodied Chardonnay with rich concentration of flavour on the mid palate - think: hints of almond, savoury spice, oatmeal and ripe nectarine. This depth of flavour is followed by balanced freshness with notes of lemon, a touch of grapefruit and a lingering finish.
Origin - Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is the second biggest wine region in New Zealand with 4,605 of the country's nationwide total of 42,250 hectares (as at 2026).
This region on the east coast of the North Island is equally famed and referred for its high quality Chardonnays and its reds based on classic Bordeaux grapes: Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot, in varying quantities.
Chardonnay is the leading white for quality with Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc both similar in terms of total hectares planted in the Bay.
2024 Mahi Alchemy Chardonnay RRP $44
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Mahi Alchemy Chardonnay RRP $44
For a wine from a place called 'Badlands Vineyard', this Chardonnay tastes extremely good. Complex, complete and creamy, it rocks a combination of generous richness with bold citrus aromas of lemon and ripe grapefruit, along with a satiny mouthfeel from fermentation and ageing in French oak with indigenous vineyard yeasts.
It drinks well now and has the potential to evolve for at least five to six years, potentially longer.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
The majority (25,157 hectares in 2025) of the region's vineyards are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and while Chardonnay is dwarfed in comparison (1,077 hectares), it more than pulls its weight in terms of quality. Definitely a variety to watch from this famous wine region.
2024 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay RRP $44.95
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay RRP $44.95
Chardonnay is the world's most popular white grape variety and wines that are as expressive as this one show why. Made with grapes grown on the stony Gimblett Gravels, this wine gains richness and ripe stone fruit flavours from the warmth of their environment. Savoury aromas of freshly toasted almonds, hazlenuts and toasty cedar nuances add complexity to this full bodied and fleshy dry white.
Origin - Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is the second biggest wine region in New Zealand with 4,605 of the country's nationwide total of 42,250 hectares.
This region on the east coast of the North Island is equally famed and referred for its high quality Chardonnays and its reds based on classic Bordeaux grapes: Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot, in varying quantities.
Chardonnay is the leading white for quality with Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc both similar in terms of plantings.
2024 Novum Riverbrook Vineyard Chardonnay RRP $45
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Novum Riverbrook Vineyard Chardonnay RRP $45
Novum Chardonnay is named after the land on which the grapes are grown, namely, an old river bed on the Wairau Plains in Marlborough - New Zealand's largest wine region.
Smooth, creamy and full bodied, this Chardonnay has open creamy aromas and complex nuances of freshly toasted almonds, hazlenuts and a hint of white meringue, underpinned by crisp lemon zest and bold acidity giving this excellent wine a long finish.
All grapes in this wine were hand picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts in combination of 10% new oak with the remainder going into old French oak. It remained in wood for ageing for 13 months.
Drinks well now and can age for the medium to long-term; seven to eight years.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
The majority (25,157 hectares in 2025) of the region's vineyards are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and while Chardonnay is dwarfed in comparison (1,077 hectares), it more than pulls its weight in terms of quality. Definitely a variety to watch from this famous wine region.
2025 Nga Waka Chenin Blanc
RRP $30
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2025 Nga Waka Chenin Blanc RRP $30
Meet a fresh new Chenin Blanc from a region and country where this wine shines but has shrunk to approximately 20 hectares nationwide.
This new 2025 Chenin Blanc is made from the first crop from new vines planted on the Mike Kershaw block in Martinborough village. All grapes were hand picked and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and older French oak barrels (30% of the grapes).
This is a dry wine with 3.1 grams of residual sugar, balanced by moderate tasting acidity and notes of honey and green herbs adding both a distinctive Chenin vibe and a strongly New Zealand taste to this youthful wine, which will age, given the successful history of good quality Chenin from this country.
This wine brings Chenin Blanc produced in Martinborough to three in total, alongside Ata Rangi and Margrain.
All grapes in this wine were hand picked with lots of thinning in the vineyard because of this grape's incredibly productive nature and large bunches.
Young, promising and an interesting wine to watch.
Origin - Martinborough
Martinborough one of the smallest wine regions in New Zealand and is best known for punching significantly above its size when it comes to the quality of Pinot Noir, which makes up approximately 50% of the area's planted grape area of 1122 producing hectares of vines - spread both in Martinborough and across the wider Wairarapa Wine Region.
This region is situated at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. It is the seventh biggest wine region in New Zealand but it is dwarfed in size by Marlborough, which has 30,469 hectares of vineyard land and Hawke's Bay with 4,605; the two biggest wine regions in the country.
2024 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay
RRP $140
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Tony Bish Zen RRP $140
Zen is Tony Bish’s impressive top Chardonnay - a full bodied, highly expressive and complex wine with layers of flavour across the palate from notes of appealing vanilla through to gentle white florals and a satiny smooth texture.
It's made from entirely hand picked grapes which are fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak, which brings refined savoury notes and a creamy nuance, mid and late palate in each sip. Malolactic fermentation adds a rich creaminess that complements this wine's fresh, bakery flavours. Dry, textural wine with finesse, which drinks beautifully now and has the potential to age further.
Origin - Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is the second biggest wine region in New Zealand with 4,605 of the country's nationwide total of 42,250 hectares.
This region on the east coast of the North Island is equally famed and referred for its high quality Chardonnays and its reds based on classic Bordeaux grapes: Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot, in varying quantities.
Chardonnay is the leading white for quality with Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc both similar in terms of plantings.
2024 Hunter’s Estate Chardonnay
RRP $26
Reviewed 2 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Hunter's Estate Chardonnay
RRP $26
Even when young (and modestly priced), this lively Marlborough Chardonnay is drinking superbly well right now and it has clear potential for further development, thanks to its bright citrus aromas of vibran ripe grapefruit and a touch of lemon, coupled with fresh white peach flavours, all wrapped into a smooth gently creamy core.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
The majority (25,157 hectares in 2025) of the region's vineyards are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and while Chardonnay is dwarfed in comparison (1,077 hectares), it more than pulls its weight in terms of quality. Definitely a variety to watch from this famous wine region.
2021 Astrolabe The Farm Chardonnay RRP $100
Reviewed 29 March 2026
Tasting note
2021 Astrolabe The Farm Chardonnay
RRP $100
The Farm Chardonnay is a big, confident Marlborough wine that really shows off what the region can do with its other great white. Full‑bodied and bold, with lovely developed toasty flavours kicking in while retaining lively freshness. Complex and creamy with toasted hazelnuts, almonds and oatmeal complexity. Tangy citrus aromas keep it zesty and exciting.
Origin - Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand with two thirds of the country's total producing vineyard area, which translates to 30,469 hectares of the national total 42,520.
The majority (25,157 hectares in 2025) of the region's vineyards are devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and while Chardonnay is dwarfed in comparison (1,077 hectares), it more than pulls its weight in terms of quality. Definitely a variety to watch from this famous wine region.
2024 Whitehaven Fossil Block Riverside Chardonnay RRP $45
Reviewed 28 March 2026
Tasting note
2024 Whitehaven Fossil Block Riverside Chardonnay RRP $45
If a wine can be rich and flavoursome but impeccably subtle at the same time, here it is. Fossil Block is made from clone 95 Chardonnay grapes grown on the Tussocks Vineyard in Awatere Valley where cool sea breezes bring a light chill to the night air, preserving acidity and freshness in the wines made from grapes grown here. All grapes in this wine were hand picked, whole bunch pressed and then fermented in 500 litre French oak puncheons with 11 months ageing in oak followed by another four in stainless steel tanks. This is unfined, unfiltered and incredibly complex with layers of bright, bold, fresh lemon and citrus zest flavours, a full body and a lingering savoury finish.
Origin - Awatere Valley, Marlborough
Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand and is home to the Awatere Valley, which is situated south of the region's biggest grape growing area - the Wairau Plains.
The Awatere has a cooler, windier climate and more distinct influence from sea breezes.
2025 Escarpment Chardonnay RRP $45
Reviewed 26 March 2026
Tasting note
2025 Escarpment Chardonnay RRP $45
The winemaking in this young Chardonnay allows the grape's personality to puts its best foot forward with winemaking bells and whistles nicely integrated into the complex finished result. It's fresh off the bottling line now and is a zesty, vibrant young blend of clones 95/15/1066/Mendoza and 548, most of them grown at the winery's estate vineyard in Te Muna Valley, with some from growers around the village (including Arapai and Boulders vineyards).
Grapes from each separate vineyard site were whole bunch pressed and left to settle overnight before transferring to French oak puncheon for fermentation with wild yeasts. The result is a smooth and crisp Chardonnay with partial malolactic fermentation bringing a creamy note to the wine's texture but allowing its citrusy freshness to shine through with notes of grapefruit, lemon and a savoury aroma.
The finished wine was matured for 11 months in oak 16% new; 23% 1 YO; 13% 2 YO and the balance being 3 YO and older.
Origin - Martinborough
Martinborough is situated in the Wairarapa wine region, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. It has 1122 producing hectares of vines planted, nearly half of which are Pinot Noir. This makes it the seventh biggest wine region in New Zealand but it is dwarfed in size by Marlborough, which has 30,469 hectares of vineyard land and Hawke's Bay with 4,605; the two biggest wine regions in the country.
2025 Three Paddles Pinot Noir RRP $30
Reviewed 26 March 2026
Tasting note
2025 Three Paddles Pinot Noir RRP $30
This the best Three Paddles Pinot Noir that I've tasted over the past four years. It's part of the Nga Waka Wines' stable and has launched this month with a fresh new look label that makes it appear as appealing as this Pinot Noir from the 2025 vintage tastes.
It's a medium bodied wine with beautiful earthy aromas, underpinned by bright fresh red fruit flavours of cherries and plums, finishing on a fresh, zesty note - it's youthful and will evolve favourably over the next three years. And it drinks well now.
Origin - Martinborough
Martinborough is situated in the Wairarapa wine region, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. It has 1122 producing hectares of vines planted, nearly half of which are Pinot Noir. This makes it the seventh biggest wine region in New Zealand but it is dwarfed in size by Marlborough, which has 30,469 hectares of vineyard land and Hawke's Bay with 4,605; the two biggest wine regions in the country.
2025 Nga Waka Gamay RRP $45
Reviewed 20 March 2026
Tasting note
2025 Nga Waka Gamay RRP $45
Inspired by cru Beaujolais, Nga Waka winery's owners and winemaker released their first take on a Southern Hemisphere Gamay this month, making four barrels from four year old vines. All grapes were hand picked, destemmed and fermented with CO2 gas for 15 days on skins; a semi-carbonic style of maceration, which brings vibrant juicy cherry and red fruit aromas to the wine, which was aged in five to six year old barrels on lees for nine months.
The result is a welcome addition to Martinborough's red wine scene. Dry, smooth and medium bodied, this Gamay has young fleshy plum flavours, intermingling with notes of spice.
The plan is to double production over time, as newer plantings of younger vines come to production.
Origin - Martinborough
Martinborough is situated in the Wairarapa wine region, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. It has 1122 producing hectares of vines planted, nearly half of which are Pinot Noir. This makes it the seventh biggest wine region in New Zealand but it is dwarfed in size by Marlborough, which has 30,469 hectares of vineyard land and Hawke's Bay with 4,605; the two biggest wine regions in the country.
Joelle Thomson... Savouring and shaping meaningful narratives about wine.
Email: mailme@joellethomson.com
