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New Zealand Reds: Treading Lightly
New Zealand, featured
, Apr 2022
It’s hard to believe that just over 40 years ago, New Zealand’s South Island was considered too cool to plant grapevines, let alone make fine red wines. In a single generation, this notion has been turned on its head. There have inevitably been growing pains as the vines sought out their rightful places and the grape growers and winemakers made their mistakes, but it seems that there is now a coming of age as mature vines meet mature – and increasingly sensitive – winemakers.
The Wines That Shaped My Life
France: Champagne, France: Burgundy, Germany, New Zealand, France: Bordeaux, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured
, Mar 2022
A charity dinner themed around the significant wines of my career threw up a couple of surprises. I doubt DRC and Blue Nun have ever found themselves reviewed in the same article. In these days of bleak headlines, the vignettes accompanying these eclectic wines hopefully put a smile on your face.
Desperately Seeking Sauvignon
New Zealand, featured
, Mar 2022
A small 2021 vintage sent international wine buyers scrabbling to secure their New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc supply, but what the wines lack in quantity, they’ve made up for in quality, while Chardonnay continues to make a strong case as New Zealand’s finest white variety.
Making the Case for New Zealand Reds
New Zealand, featured
, Mar 2021
In my inaugural red wine report, I consider the latest crop of New Zealand Pinot Noirs with a focus on the 2019 vintage and take a look at 2018 Bordeaux blends and Syrahs flowing from Hawke’s Bay.
New Zealand Whites: The State of Play
New Zealand, featured
, Nov 2020
In her first report for Vinous, Rebecca Gibb MW takes the temperature of the New Zealand white wine scene and uncovers the latest vintages: 2019 and 2020.
Winemaking and Wine Marketing in a Plague Year
General Interest, United States: Oregon, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, featured, France, United States: California, Italy
, May 2020
In just the past couple of months, the novel coronavirus has profoundly changed the production and sale of wine around the globe. In this roundtable interview, 35 producers get specific about the challenges they are facing.
Cellar Favorite: 2009 Felton Road Pinot Noir Cornish Point
New Zealand, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Jul 2019
I want Pinot Noirs that evolve into something intellectual and complex, with both character and deliciousness – just like this Felton Road.
To Paint A Picture: Kumeu River Chardonnay 2006-2017
New Zealand, featured
, Feb 2019
Kumeu River is New Zealand's greatest Chardonnay producer, one that is genuinely world class. Following the most comprehensive tasting ever conducted, this article traces the story of the Brajkovich family, details their vineyards and philosophies, to find out how they make such bloody good Chardonnay.
New Zealand: Just For Starters
New Zealand, featured
, Nov 2018
Upon joining Vinous, New Zealand came back into my purview for the first time since 2010. Its location on the opposite side of the world meant that finding time to visit this year was not quite as easy as nipping down to Bordeaux or Burgundy on the daily easyJet. This interim report covers more than 400 new releases from a wide range of estates.
New Zealand’s Pellucid Wines: More Light Than Heat
New Zealand, featured
, May 2016
New Zealand’s wine industry and its grape vines continue to grow and mature. I experienced the country’s blinding summer sunshine up close and personal earlier this year, but its vibrant wines kept me consistently refreshed. I tasted more wines than ever before that deliver complexity and place character, not just varietal fruit. And the recent succession of benevolent growing seasons has been a boon for ripeness without heaviness.