World Wine – 'Orange-tinted wine from a lengthy period in contact with the skins. Dry, flavoursome pinot gris with quince, cherry, anise, spice and floral characters. An intriguing wine with a peppery tannic texture that gives support without pain. I am not a great fan of many 'orange' wines but I do like this example. Drink: 2018-2022'
94 POINTS
Bob Campbell, therealreview.com
Huon Hooke – Attractive pinot gris that's been made with a light touch with poached pear, apple, ginger and nutty yeast lees characters. A dry wine with appealing purity and an ethereal texture. (Bob Campbell
The Real Review, 18 January, 2022)
Nestled at the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough boasts a unique combination of factors that make it an ideal region for viticulture. The region is blessed with a temperate maritime climate, with long sunny days and cool nights, ensuring grapes ripen steadily and maintain their fresh acidity. The soil, a mix of fast-draining stony compositions, is a vital contributor to the signature flavors of the wines produced here. Marlborough's Wairau and Awatere Valleys, each with their distinct microclimates and terroir, add a multifaceted character to its wines. Over the years, dedicated winemakers have perfected the art of capturing the essence of the land, producing wines that resonate with both novices and connoisseurs. The result is a diverse range of wines that not only reflect the purity of the region but also its spirit of innovation and evolution.
Marlborough is located at the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island. Characterized by its sun-soaked plains and valleys, it is cradled by majestic mountain ranges that shield the vineyards from harsh weather conditions. Stretching between the towns of Blenheim and Picton, Marlborough covers a vast expanse of land and is home to the Wairau and Awatere river valleys, where many of its prime vineyards are situated. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates its climate, making it an ideal location for viticulture.
Marlborough wines have gained a formidable reputation on the global stage for their vibrancy, purity, and consistency. Known primarily for its standout Sauvignon Blancs, the region produces wines that are not only of excellent quality but also offer great value for money. The unmistakable intensity and crispness of Marlborough wines, especially its whites, are often available at remarkably affordable prices, making them a favorite among both connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers.
The essence of Marlborough's uniqueness as a wine region lies in its terroir. The combination of well-draining stony soils, consistent sunshine, and cool nights gives Marlborough a distinct advantage in producing wines with fresh acidity and concentrated fruit flavors. The region's distinct diurnal temperature variation ensures a longer ripening period, allowing grapes to develop full phenolic ripeness while retaining their natural acidity. This balance is the hallmark of Marlborough wines. Furthermore, the passion and innovation of local winemakers, combined with sustainable viticultural practices, have cemented Marlborough's place as a world-leading wine region.
Marlborough is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc. This varietal thrives in the region's climate and soils, producing wines that are aromatic, with notes of passionfruit, gooseberry, and sometimes a characteristic hint of bell pepper. These wines are zesty, crisp, and intensely fruity, capturing the essence of the Marlborough terroir. While Sauvignon Blanc dominates, the region is also becoming known for its elegant Pinot Noirs and vibrant Chardonnays, showcasing the versatility of Marlborough's wine-producing capabilities.
Defining the "best" wines from Marlborough can be subjective, as individual preferences play a significant role. However, some acclaimed producers from the region include Cloudy Bay, Dog Point Vineyard, and Brancott Estate. Cloudy Bay's Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, has been instrumental in catapulting Marlborough onto the world wine stage. Other noteworthy wines, like those from Greywacke and Astrolabe, embody the region's distinctive character and are celebrated for their complexity, depth, and consistency. These wines, among others from Marlborough, are a testament to the region's prowess in the world of viticulture.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.