World Wine – Youthful and vibrant with layered aromatics of stone fruit, baking spices, and a chalky nuance. Palate is poised with great length, vanilla, hazelnut and cream, very fine texture and minerality. Seamless, elegant and mouth-watering. - 98 points + Double Gold medal at the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show.
The Wine Front – Struck match, preserved lemon, pine-lime, aniseed, cashew and spice. It’s glossy, with a bit of parmesan rind savouriness, bright grapefruity acidiy, creamy cashew, excellent intensity, and a flinty yet rich finish of excellent length.
World Wine – "Intense, mouthwatering chardonnay with lime, pineapple, oyster shell/mineral, hazelnut and subtle spicy oak flavours. Delicious high-energy wine in a rather Chablis-esque style with purity and power." - 96pts, Bob Campbell MW
James Suckling – Inviting aromas of flint, matchstick, grated nutmeg, dried lemon rind and sliced grapefruit. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Fresh and bright fruit turns more savory with herbs and spice coming to the forefront. Layered. Tannic, tight finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap.
Wine Enthusiast – 96 Points - "Many Marlborough sauvignon blancs are made to a familiar formula; lean and green and refreshing with bright acid. This new release from Dog Point offers something just a little bit different. Certified organic, it has a little more mouthfeel, a tad more palate interest, than many of its contemporaries, while retaining its aromatic appeal. This has vibrancy, allied to some interesting palate complexity thanks to wild yeast fermentation and some whole bunch elements; a wine that demands to matched with seafood, perhaps some mussels or cockles. It is bright and lively with fresh citrus and nectarine notes. Punchy, taut and intense with well-judged acid, faint smoky hints and immediate appeal. Well worth seeking out. 96 points from me." (Winsor Dobbin, Wine of the Week)
The Wine Front – There’s a curious smell of neoprene here, or bicycle inner-tube, aside that there’s cherry and raspberry, charcoal briquettes, cassia bark, and some dried rose and mint perfume. It’s medium-bodied, dried cherry and pomegranate, a smoky and smudgy feel to tannin, quite savoury and autumnal, with a spiced tobacco finish of good length. Nice wine. Fleshy and flavoursome, with a little tamarillo/sweet tomato tang to close.
James Suckling – "The most complex of Marlborough sauvignons is looking the goods in this warmer vintage. There's a heady reductive layer that delivers flinty grapefruit notes and lemon pith. The palate texture is superb; starts on point and builds weight and layers of texture through the mid-palate with abundant gooseberry and lime flavor, then finishes pure, focused and true."
Huon Hooke – Weighty, textural sauvignon blanc with lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, feijoa and lemongrass flavours supported by delicious, mouth-watering acidity. A punchy wine that is classically Marlborough. (Bob Campbell
The Real Review, 20 October, 2021)
Huon Hooke – #1 Ranked 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - "Intense, vibrant sauvignon with lemongrass, red capsicum and passionfruit flavours supported by a mouthwatering cut of tangy acidity. High energy wine with a perfect sweet-sour balance giving the wine pleasing tension." Bob Campbell MW (The Real Review)
World Wine – How to describe this Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough's Catalina Sounds? Herbaceous! Pineapple sage and cut herbs spill from the glass with gooseberry and green capsicum. There is a whisper of passionfruit with green melon skipping through late. Well made and well balanced, it's clean and crisp with refreshment bursting at the seams. Drink now.
qwinereviews.com, 15 August, 2021
Huon Hooke – Gentle, moderately soft sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, lemongrass, red capsicum, guava, ginger and citrus flavours. There was 30% fermented in large French oak casks to build texture and complexity. The wine certainly has good weight and a silken texture. (Bob Campbell,
The Real Review, 7 July, 2021)
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
New Zealand's wine regions stretch from the subtropical North Island to the southernmost parts of the South Island, offering a diverse range of climates and soils ideal for viticulture. The maritime climate, long hours of sunshine, and cool nights contribute to wines with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. The nation's isolation has led to a thriving ecosystem, resulting in wines that are both pure and expressive of their origin.
One can't speak of New Zealand without acknowledging its most celebrated wine, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, with its unmistakable notes of gooseberry and passion fruit. Yet, beyond this iconic variety, regions like Central Otago, Hawke's Bay, and Wairarapa produce exceptional Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices further accentuates the country's dedication to quality, making New Zealand a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts seeking authenticity and character in every bottle.
Wines from New Zealand have garnered international acclaim for their vibrant characteristics and the distinct terroir in which they are produced. New Zealand's wine regions span a variety of climates, from maritime to alpine, leading to a broad spectrum of wine profiles. The country's relative isolation has led to a pristine environment, allowing for organic and biodynamic farming practices to flourish. The unique combination of soil, climate, and innovative viticulture produces wines that are pure, vibrant, and intensely aromatic. The diurnal temperature variation, particularly in regions like Central Otago, aids in producing wines with intense fruitiness while maintaining refreshing acidity. Moreover, the Maori concept of "kaitiakitanga" or guardianship and care for the land reflects in their sustainable winemaking practices, making New Zealand wines not just flavorful, but also conscientiously produced.
When one thinks of New Zealand wines, the first that often comes to mind is Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Its explosive flavors of passionfruit, gooseberry, and fresh herbs have set a global standard. Pinot Noir, primarily from Central Otago and Martinborough, is also gaining traction for its elegance and depth. New Zealand also produces stellar Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah, but it's the country's sparkling wines, made in the traditional method, that are quietly rising stars in the wine world.
For newcomers to New Zealand wines, a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is an absolute must, offering a quintessential taste of the country's vinous output. Following closely, a Pinot Noir from Central Otago provides a taste of the country's red wine potential, marked by its deep fruit flavors and subtle earthy undertones. A Hawke's Bay Syrah will introduce you to the spicy and velvety side of New Zealand's wine palette. Lastly, round off your initial tasting journey with a Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine, which beautifully captures the crispness and purity of New Zealand's terroir.
Selecting the best New Zealand wines can be subjective, but certain names consistently shine. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc has been an iconic representation of Marlborough's prowess. For Pinot Noir, labels such as Felton Road from Central Otago and Ata Rangi from Martinborough frequently receive accolades. In the realm of Chardonnay, Kumeu River is a benchmark producer, crafting Burgundian-style wines that age gracefully. Lastly, for those seeking bubbles, No.1 Family Estate and Quartz Reef produce sparkling wines that can rival many traditional Champagnes in quality and finesse.
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.