New Zealand Standouts

I taste a lot of wines day in and day out. Recently, I seem to have lots of New Zealand in my glass. Here is a round-up of some standouts that I highly recommend. Cheers!

Neudorf Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $26 
This wine has a spicy and vegetal note on the nose that carries through on the palate. I get a tomato leaf and olive note. Quite lovely, and unique for a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! 

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Marlborough 2016 $29
In the style of a white Bordeaux, specifically Pessac-Leognan. On the nose, a savory petrol note; flint. Exquisite. This is, hands down, one of my favorite whites from New Zealand. I have tried it many times and am never disappointed. 

Dog Point Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 $42
Aromas of tree fruit, cream and butter/dairy. Less malo notes on the palate. Really clean, pure fruit with a slight savory note that makes it really interesting. 

Burn Cottage Pinot Noir, Burn Cottage Vineyard Bannockburn, Central Otago $65
A bowl ‘o red fruit on the nose. On the palate: wow, complex with a medium + lingering finish. Super savory. A heady wine that makes you think. 

Neudorf Pinot Noir Tom’s Block 2014 $28 
This wine has juicy red fruit on the nose, plus a nice spiciness. A true, classic Pinot that is more structured than one would expect. Layered….more interesting as you get into it. 

Mills Reef, Elspeth Syrah Hawke’s Bay 2016 $46
Aromas of red & black fruit, black pepper, baking spices and black licorice. Plus a woody note. Varietal character on the palate: deep fruit + meatiness. Feels very honest, true….simple. 

Vidal Syrah “El Legado” Hawke’s Bay/Gimblett Gravels 2014 $60
The first vines on this property were planted in the 1900s. This wine gives classic Syrah markers including red fruit, pepper, and a faint animal aroma. Quite lovely.