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)
World Wine – "A rich, fleshy nebbiolo with a mix of classic tar-and-roses character together with savoury 'forest floor' flavours and spicy oak. A delicious wine with power and further potential."
96 pts - Bob Campbell MW
Huon Hooke – Bright, fresh pinot noir with floral, rose petal, cherry and subtle spice flavours. An appealing, easy-to-drink wine, with an ethereal texture and vibrant flavours. Simple and distinctive. Good varietal definition. (Bob Campbell
The Real Review, 18 January, 2022)
The Wine Front – Seem to have missed the 2020 Bullnose, though here we are with the 2021, which is a similar vintage in terms of quality and character, though comes with a bit more freshness in terms of acid profile, and perhaps more aromatics. Intense purple colour. Very bright and floral, a sniff of black and white pepper and baking spice, really quite exotic perfume here, grilled meat, purple fruit, boysenberry. Gee, it really pops. Medium-bodied, bright and fresh, lots of energy, red fruits, graphite tannin, umami flavours but not at the expense of fragrance and finesse. Finish is excellent, and long, kind of dusty and spicy, a distinctly cool ‘mineral’ feel, with a game and juniper berry edge. A terrific expression of HB Syrah.
James Suckling – This includes some Gimblett Gravel fruit which gives black and white pepper, iodine, lead pencil, and black fruit aromas and flavors. Tar and asphalt. Full-bodied and tied in with a lovely structure and focus. Linear and very racy. Terrific integration and structure. Drinkable, but better in two or three years.
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.