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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 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 Te Kahu RRP $34.95
Reviewed 13 April 2026
Tasting note
2024 Craggy Gimblett Gravels Te Kahu RRP $34.95
Te Kahu is te reo Māori for 'the cloak' and is a reference to the mist that wraps itself around Craggy Range winery in the Tukituki Valley, Hawke's Bay.
It's an evocative name for a powerful red blend from the warm, dry 2024 vintage, with Merlot leading the palate with its plush soft berry aromas. Both Cabernet Franc (adding perfumed lift) and Cabernet Sauvignon (bringing firm tannins to the table) add complexity. This wine is youthful now and begs for time to unfold its layers of flavour but it delivers a surprising smoothness and approachability too, with oak woven into the wine. I like the subtle layering that oak maturation brings to this young red.
Te Kahu has always delivered an X-factor when it comes to depth of flavour, offering very good value for money - for lovers of Bordeaux-styled reds to drink now (make sure to decant) or in years to come.
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.
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.
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.
2020 Astrolabe Wrekin Chardonnay
Reviewed 20 March 2026
Tasting note
This outstanding Chardonnay made by Simon Waghorn is my wine of the week as it shines a bold light on the unexpectedly high quality of Marlborough Chardonnay. It's made from hand picked grapes from Wrekin Vineyard on the sunny slopes of the southern hills in Marlborough's Wairau Valley. Warm days and cool nights bring rich citrusy depth and a twist of ripe grapefruit to this lush and creamy, full bodied Chardonnay.
Fresh acidity underpins each sip, bringing a long memorable finish to the wine.
All grapes were hand picked, barrel fermented in whole clusters in French oak puncheons; larger sized barrels, which reduces overt oak influence, offering up spicy nuances and layers of savouriness.
Certified organic with BioGro NZ.
Origin - Marlborough, Southern Valleys
The Southern Valleys are in Marlborough's Wairau Valley and home to sloping sites that both aid ripening and drainage, due to their north facing aspect, high sunshine hours and slopes. Clay soils here are valued.
Joelle Thomson... Savouring and shaping meaningful narratives about wine.
Email: mailme@joellethomson.com
