Wairarapa, North Island

Dry River

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017

Rich and supple but not as rich as this Cuvée often is. Earthy red fruits with herbs. As Bob Campbell said, good vinosity. Always one of the top Pinots from the North Island. See previous Delectable notes on this Cuvée and vintage. — 3 days ago

Paul, Jamie and 8 others liked this

Kumeu River

Coddington Chardonnay 2021

Vintage 2021 | beautiful Chardonnay expression — 17 days ago

Dave, Peter and 13 others liked this

Te Mata Estate

Cape Crest Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022

With miso cod - perfect contrast — 2 months ago

Te Mata Estate

Bullnose Hawkes Bay Syrah 2018

Deep ruby with lighter rim and lovely floral and spiced nose.
Tannins are silky smooth and well integrated.
Dark fruits on palate with balance of alcohol and acidity, AbV at 13% much lower than typical Oz Shiraz @14.5%
At 8 years this is likely at its optimal drinking age
Excellent Syrah from NZ.
— 3 months ago

Andrew, Vino and 6 others liked this

Palliser Estate

Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Palliser Estate – 2024
Martinborough – New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
Palliser Estate is one of Martinborough’s most respected producers, crafting wines with finesse and precision. This Sauvignon Blanc showcases the hallmark character of New Zealand, but with a more refined and balanced expression compared to the often more pungent Marlborough style. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate citrus and tropical notes—lime zest, gooseberry, and passion fruit—interlaced with subtle herbal tones of lemongrass and fresh basil. Clean minerality supports the fruit, giving it a lifted freshness.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied, vibrant acidity, and an elegant balance between fruit concentration and crispness. Smooth and precise, leaving a refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, goat cheese, ceviche, sushi, or summer salads with citrus vinaigrette.

Verdict
A very delicate and balanced Sauvignon Blanc, capturing the essence of New Zealand’s style with elegance. Martinborough adds a cooler-climate restraint that keeps it fresh and poised. A wine that’s both approachable and refined.

📌 Did You Know?
While Marlborough dominates NZ Sauvignon Blanc production (with its intense, zesty style), Martinborough’s cooler nights and smaller scale create wines with greater elegance, minerality, and restraint, making them stand out among New Zealand Sauvignons.
— a day ago

Ted liked this

Kumeu River

Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

Confirmed my previous notes. This is awesome Chardonnay no one is paying attention to and that’s a shame. — a month ago

Shay, Peter and 6 others liked this
Shay A

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I’m a fan of these.
Peter van den Besselaar

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It’s well known by the inner circle in Holland, great wine

Craggy Range

Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Complex SB from NZ. Cucumber veggie notes with minerality such as flint etc — 6 days ago

Te Mata Estate

Coleraine Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

This wine is of exceptional quality. While it may have been slightly premature to consume (released in 2021), it exhibited pronounced tannic characteristics. — 8 days ago

Kumeu River

Hunting Hill Chardonnay

Lovely wine but could pass for a hearty sauv blanc — 2 months ago

Naveen Chopra
with Naveen