Wairarapa Wine Tasting - A comprehensive look at some of the best from the region
September 2020 Tastings
Ashwell Chardonnay 2016 - Toasty, creamy, peachy. Aromas of bottle age and integration with nut and cream then some citrus pith. On the palate - quite tense with some phenolic action. Flavours of peaches and vanilla, sour cream and lemon. Firm, dry, ready. 2022. 88 Points
Dry River Chardonnay 2019 Bottle # 0587 - Complex and intriguing, mineral aromas are equal to fruit and oak. Enticing. Vibrant and alive on the palate with acidity that dances across the tongue. Flavours of white peach, pear, apple and quince then fruit spices leading into layers of a subtle oak foundation. Medium+ acidity, fresh, crisp, balanced and well made. Complex and long. Really fantastic example. 2030+. 96 Points
Luna Chardonnay 2018 Eclipse - Warm rich fruit aromas of baked and fresh peach, some quince and apple. There's a baked custard and wood spice combination along with a toasty oak layer. On the palate - nutty, creamy, rich in flavour from fruit and wood. A lighter- lees note and gentle flinty seam. Lengthy, balanced and well made. 2025. 94 Points
Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 Home Block - Immediately complex, mineral, fruity and engaging with ripe white fleshed fruits and layered oak spice, nut and lees. Tense, fruity, dry and youthful. Textures from the fine wood tannins and acidity carry the flavours of fruits that mirror the nose. Weighty, nutty, fresh and dry. Lengthy finish. Well made. 2030. 95 Points
Matahiwi Estate Chardonnay 2019 Holly South Series - Youthful, toasty, some smoky wood notes then aromas of grapefruit and peach, vanilla and raw cashew nut. On the palate - lovely engaging texture with acidity and oak in harmony, some fine wood tannins then flavours of citrus and stone fruit, vanilla dust and wood. Balanced and well made. Ready soon. 2025. 92+ Points
Nga Waka Chardonnay 2018 Home Block - Some classic aromas of peaches and cream then brazil-nut butter and baking spice then a touch of grapefruit. Bold, creamy, oaky and stone fruits on the palate. Flavours of peaches and cream, some grapefruit, baking spice and new fig. Full-bodied, dry and lengthy. Well made. 2024. 91 Points
On Giants' Shoulders Chardonnay 2018 - Lovely bouquet - nice and bold with an edge of flinty leesy layers then sweet grapefruit with a touch of pith, peach and nut. Dry, weighty, firm, youthful and nutty with newish oak flavours contrasted with stone fruit, apple and lees flavours. Spicy oak and warming alcohol round out the palate. Well made, youthful still and quite lengthy. 2025+. 94 Points
Te Kairanga Chardonnay 2018 John Martin - Complex bouquet with aromas of oak then mineral, stone fruit then wood spice, a touch of flint, quince and grapefruit. On the palate - lovely texture and length with fruit and oak flavours that reflect the nose, contrasting acid line and complex finish. Fine wood tannins. Coming into final balance soon. 2028+. 94 Points
Tiwaiwaka Chardonnay 2019 - Silky textured bouquet with clean, fresh and ripe fruit aromas of white and yellow peach, apple, vanilla and raw sugar. Oak statement is quite noticeable. On the palate - fleshy silky textures, warming alcohol accentuates the flavours of stone fruit and citrus then wood spices and tannins. Well made, fuller-bodied and dry on the finish. 2025. 93 Points
Escarpment Chardonnay 2019 - Enticing, complex and immediately engaging bouquet. Aromas and flavours of new wood, ripe citrus and stone fruit. An equally intense layer of mineral, sand stone and silty earth layers. Palate reflects the nose in every way - fresh, youthful, complex, layered and fruity. Oak and textures along with acidity offer tense moments as well as a great foundation. Lengthy finish. 2030. 95 Points
Margrain Chenin Blanc 2019 Cut Cane - Apple tarte tatin aromas with a sweet caramel and ripe quince attack. Sweet level is 7.5 of 10 - with high acidity and flavours that mirror the nose. Quince and fresh light white fruit flavours. Balanced, lengthy and well made. 91 Points
Poppies Gewürztraminer 2019 - Fabulous bouquet with an oily, richly scented attack, aromas and flavours of red apple and lemon honey, tropical fruit and spices. Medium + acidity, weighty, spicy, warm, clean, lengthy and finishing just dry. Well-made and delicious! 2024. 93+ Points
Alexander Vineyard Merlot 2019 - Powerful, youthful, dark red berry fruits and sweet toasty oak, a touch charry, but overall very nice. Youthful. On the palate - dry, weighty and vey fruit centric with dark berries with bitter chocolate oak and spices. Firm tannins and medium+ish acidity. Really quite a lovely wine, well made, balanced and lengthy. 2026. 93 Points
Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris 2019 - Youthful bouquet with aromas of sweet pear and apple, there's a spice and lager beer note, a mineral stony silty note and old flowers and citrus moment. A firm texture with medium+ acidity and fine phenolics engage-the-palate first. Fruit flavours of citrus and white tree fruits come next. The lager note also returns. Youthful still, well made just needing some integration time. 2024. 90 Points
The Elder Pinot Gris 2019 - Attractive bouquet with a mix of spicy white fleshed fruit and leesy spice layers. A touch of beer and moment of ginger biscuit. Lovely on the palate - youthful, fresh, spiced fruited and engaging textures. Gentle creamy with a lengthy finish. Well made. 2024. 93 Points
Alexander Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 - Classic bouquet of Martinborough Pinot Noir - red cherry and strawberry compote, a silty soil then layers of oak with vanilla and clove toasty wood suggestions. Dry, tense, fruity and textured. Flavours of red fruits reflect the nose, firm through finer tannin layers, medium+ ish acidity, balanced and well made. Lovely drinking now and through 2024+. 93 Points
Ashwell Pinot Noir 2018 - Softer ripe red berry fruit aromas then oak spices of vanilla and a touch of clove. A whisper of dried herb then some soil notes. Dry on the palate with firm tannins from oak and fruit. Plenty of tension and hold. Medium acidity and red fruit flavours to match the nose. Youthful and needs to balance out the texture to fruit. Best from today through 2024. Needs food. 89 Points
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2017 Mc Crone - Lovely bouquet with aromas of place and time first - stones and crushed rocks then a core of fruit suggesting cherry and red apple then strawberry. Complex and dry on the palate with a contrasting core of fruit. An abundance of fine polished tannins, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish. Well made, complex and layered. 2030. 95 Points
Big Sky Pinot Noir 2018 Provenance - Lovely bouquet with soft red berry fruits, sweet oak spices and rocky soil layers. Complex and youthful. Equally engaging texture on the palate with an abundance of fine to firm tannins, medium+ acidity and warming alcohol. All the while the core of fruit persists with a baked strawberry edge. Well-made and lengthy finish. 2027. 94 Points
Craggy Range Pinot Noir 2017 SV Te Muna Rd Vineyard - Ripe, soft red fruited bouquet with aromas of strawberries and fleshy red cherries. Oak scents of toast and vanilla. Flavours of red berries, red apple and toasty wood. Vanilla, nut and baking spices. Dusty fine tannins and medium+ acidity are contrasted by fruit flavours. Balanced and well made with a lengthy finish. 2025. 93 Points
Colombo Pinot Noir 2019 - Aromas of ripe red berries, raspberry, cherry and plum then baking spices of oak with clove and vanilla. Some crushed rose and velvet violets add depth and complexity. Dry and very youthful on the palate with firm tannins and acidity to match. There's a core of fruit that reflects the nose as well some mineral. Need to wait until the tannins integrate and calm. Lengthy finish, just needs some time. 2028. 93+ Points
Dry River Pinot Noir 2018 - Quite complex, but also fruit centric with aromas of red berries then spices of oak. The mineral message is strong too. Engaging spicy oak with chalky textured tannins and medium+ acidity. Youthful and complex, great mouth feel and tension. Lengthy finish, well made and youthful. Needs more time to complete the integration process. Best from 2022 through 2032. 94 Points
Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 Dakins Road - Varietal, fruity, gentle smoky oak layers between mineral and a core of fruit. There's a youthful energy and tense engagement. Comes together nicely on the palate with firm tannins and medium+ acidity framing flavours of raspberry and red cherries, some old strawberry notes then oak. Youthful, tense and dry. Well made. Needing some more integration time. Warm. 2026+. 93 Points
Grava Pinot Noir 2018 - A lighter red hued appearance with aromas of light red berries, plum and moments of rose and wood spices. Balanced and well made with flavours that mirror the nose, strawberry then red berries. Dry with fine dusty tannins and medium acidity. Moderate finish. Ready. 2023. 89 Points
Hamden Estate Pinot Noir 2014 Dry River Terraces - Aromas of a wine that is ready with an even calm bouquet of red fruits and integrated oak, vanilla and baking spices with an emerging layer of oxidation. Overall good. The palate suggests the same with integrated flavours of red fruits - strawberry and plum, cherry compote then brown spices of oak. Tannins are fine and are well integrated. Medium acidity and length. Overall, well made. 2022. 88 Points
Huntress Pinot Noir 2018 - Youthful, ripe, fresh and engaging bouquet. Layers of dried herbs and red berries, wood spices and wood smoke. Complex. Plate reflects the nose with a lovely fine tannin texture and medium+ acidity. Fruit flavours mirror the nose with cherries and raspberry along with some red apple then stony mineral notes. Well made, lengthy and intriguing. 2026. 93+ Points
Kusuda Pinot Noir 2018 - Enticing, complex, rather sexy and mysterious bouquet with soft sweet red berry fruit aromas and flavours, there's no mistaking the oak influence, but is well placed and quite judicious. Palate reflects the nose with soft textured red fruit flavours, contrasting firm but polished tannins and medium+ acidity. Long and engaging finish. 2030. 96 Points
Luna Pinot Noir 2018 Blue Rock - Fragrant, fruity, ripe and varietal with aromas and flavours of cherry and currant, red apple and plum. Firm tannins and lively acidity adding texture and firm structure. Youthful, fresh, textured and quite lengthy. Well made and ready by end of 2021. 2025+. 93 Points
Margrain Pinot Noir 2016 Reserve - Complex and complete, varietal red berry fruit aromas and darker baking spices of oak. Steely, tense and dry on the palate with drying tannins then a nice core of fruit begins to emerge reflecting some red berries and cherry notes. Medium acidity and a second wave of tannins with a chalky texture. Moderate length. A food wine, but well-made and intriguing. There's a distracting moment of oxidation - could just be that botte. 90 Points
Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 Home Block - Complex and alluring bouquet - aromas of soil and spice, oak and red berry fruits, flowers and kitchen spices. Lovely texture and palate engagement with chalky tannins, medium+ - ish acidity, vanilla and soft toasty spices of oak then fruit flavours that reflect the nose. Lengthy finish, youthful still and well made. Just needs some cellar time. 2028. 94 Points
Matahiwi Estate Pinot Noir 2019 Holly South Series - Lovely bouquet - ripe, fresh youthful and varietal with aromas of roses and red berries, baking spice and sandy silty soils. Youthful, fresh and vibrant on the palate with fleshy textures, velvet to firm youthful tannins, medium+ acidity and smoky wood flavours to match. Needs to integrate but will be lovely in 12 months. 2026+. 93 Points
Moy Hall Pinot Noir 2018 - Lovely sweet red fruited bouquet with aromas of raspberry, old strawberry and plum then oak spices and toasty wood moments. On the palate - the fruit and oak compete for attention with flavours of red berries and wood spice, firm chalky-ish tannins and medium+ acidity in contrast. Well made with a silty soil and red fruit core, medium+-ish acid line and lengthy finish. 2025. 93+ Points
Nga Waka Pinot Noir 2018 Lease Block - Nice pure fruited bouquet with aromas of red cherry, toasty oak, baking spices with some raspberry and strawberry to contrast. Youthful and tense on the palate with a core of red berry fruits, plum and rose. A whisper of carbonic whole berry lift. Firm-ish tannins and medium+ acidity, clove and vanilla spiced oak. Well made with a decent length and finish.2024+. 92+ Points
On Giants' Shoulders Pinot Noir 2018 - Aromas and flavours of wood spice and red cherries, some old roses and plums. Baking spices and toasty wood moments. A mix of silty soil flavours and chalky tannins, medium+ acidity and red fruits. Well made, youthful and lively. Needing some cellar time still. Best from late 2021 through 2027+. 93 Points
Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir 2018 Left Hand - Fresh, ripe and soft red fruit aromas of strawberry and red cherry with some red apple notes. Dry with fruit flavours to match the nose, firm youthful yet ripe tannins and moderate oak intensity with baking spice and soft smoke moments to match. Medium+ acidity, lengthy and well made. Youthful. 2025. 92 Points
Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir 2018 Right Hand - Fruity, pretty, ripe red fruited bouquet and nicely varietal. Slightly sweeter oak notes with a nutty vanilla moment. Dry on the palate with an immediately juicy fleshy core. Firm tannins and medium+ acidity adding texture and palate engagement. Medium+ length, well made. 2026. 93+ Points
Poppies Pinot Noir 2019 - Super fresh and energised bouquet with aromas of fresh raspberry and dark cherry. A leesy, flinty, mineral layer adds complexity and depth. Some sweet new oak with fresh clove and vanilla spices. Dry, firm and engaging on the palate with firm tannins and medium+ acidity. Lengthy finish, well made and exacting. 2026. 94 Points
Schubert Wines Pinot Noir 2018 Marion's Vineyard - An engaging, sophisticated and complex bouquet with aromas of spiced red cherry and baked strawberry. There's vanilla and sweet wood spices layer as well as a distinctive minerality. Silky textures and ripe core of fruit are contrasted with firm youthful tannins and medium+ acidity. A fine wine, lengthy and well made. Youthful. 2028+. 95 Points
Sei Cento Pinot Noir 2011 - Aromas of a full-developed wine. There's a dearth of fruit leaving aromas of leather and sweet oak to lead the bouquet. On the palate - dry with a noticeable level of oxidation that does not serve the wine well. Dry, fully integrated tannins, lower acidity and moderate finish. 84 Points
Te Kairanga Pinot Noir 2018 John Martin - Slightly lighter red hues. Aromas and flavours of red berries and cherry. A lighter toasty oak layer then mineral almost silty soil notes. Lovely core of fruit contrasts the youthful chalky tannins and medium+ acid line. Still coming into balance, but has a lengthy charming finish. 2026. 93 Points
The Elder Pinot Noir 2018 - Youthful, fresh, ripe and varietal with aromas of cherries, red apple skin and plum. There's a baking spice and toasty wood layer adding complexity and depth. Dry on the palate with a core of red fruits then tannins. Medium acidity, warming alcohol and firm texture with a nice poise and tension. Well made with a moderate finish. 2025. 92 Points
Tiwaiwaka Pinot Noir 2018 - Youthful and fresh with a varietal core of fruit. A safe and balanced bouquet. On the palate a dry wine with a core of red berry fruits and plum. Firm and chalky slightly drying tannins, medium acidity then fruit flavours that mirror the nose - cherry, plum, some red apple and tart versions of the same. Overall balanced and well made. Best now and through 2024. 89 Points
Urlar Pinot Noir 2018 - Immediately engaging bouquet with a sweet oak and red fruited pinosity - red cherry and strawberry, some plum and crushed rose. Dry with a core of fruit and oak, finer tannins and medium acidity. Nice layer of silty soil messages then a return to the fruit and sweet oak flavours. Well-made and ready. 92 Points
Alexia Pinot Noir Rosé 2020 Gentle Girl - Bright, raspberry red and pink hues. Plush, fresh, packed with aromas of strawberries and red cherry, whispers of silty soil. The palate reflects the nose with a pristine acid line. Balanced, crisp and ready. Well made. 90 Points
Ata Rangi Red Blend 2018 Celebre - A great bouquet, fruity and engaging with aromas of bright red berries - raspberry and dark blackberry, some chocolate and plenty of spice. Weighty, fresh, fruity and dry. Bold tannins and medium+ acidity, complex and lengthy, a lovely wine. 2028+. 94 Points
Grava Riesling 2016 - Ripe, varietal, showing a light level of toastiness and whisper of bottle age integration. Aromas and flavours of green apple and lime, green pear and a noticeable silty soil spice layer. Lovely palate-feel with highish acidity, light weight, crisp and lengthy. Flavours mirror the nose. Nice! 93 Points
Kusuda Riesling 2019 - Immediately pure and complex, enticing and just a little bit sexy. Aromas and flavours of fresh apple and lemon, a core of fresh mineral and light white spice. Wow - what a lovely palate and texture. Pure fruited with a silk and satin texture accentuated by the high acidity and flavours of white fleshed tree fruit and lime flower. Long youthful finish. 2030+. 95 Points
Cambridge Road Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Down the Rabbit Hole - Unfiltered appearance. Bright. An exotic and adventurous bouquet with aromas of sour beer and ginger, white fleshed fruits and herb layers swing between intensity. Dry, crisp, fun and layered. The texture and fruit flavours hold hands nicely as does the tannins, overall texture and acidity excellent. Well made. New, real, interesting. 2022. 92 Points
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Te Muna - Ripe and varietal, very engaging, tropical, youthful and fresh with sweet herb aromas, citrus and apple. Really lovely on the palate, satin textures, high acidity, loaded with a core of tropical fruits and citrus. Sweet herbs, balanced, well made and lengthy. Crowd pleasing and just fun. 2022. 93 Points
Schubert Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Estate - Savoury and fragrant, exacting and fresh, fruity and fine, varietal and engaging. Lovely on the palate - tense, fresh, crunchy, youthful holding onto its varietal signature. Citrus and tropical fruits, some sweet herbs and savoury mineral layers. Young, balanced, well made, lengthy. 2025. 93 Points
Urlar Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - Fragrant, fruity, natural, varietal, silty mineral soil layers lead to aromas and flavours of gooseberry and lemon, some peach and tropical fruit moments. The herbaceous side is quiet yet persistent. Medium+ ish acidity, balanced and ready. There's a floral fruit combination that adds depth and complexity. Very nice, lengthy and well made. 2023. 93+ Points
Hamden Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Dry River Terraces - Young, fresh fruity and quietly just a little bit complex with a minerality alongside aromas of tropical passionfruit and sweet citrus, some apple and mango notes then herbs. Plush, fresh, crisp and fruity, Plenty of citrus and fruit spice. The minerality re-emerges adding a little depth and style. Balanced, fresh, well made and lengthy. Lots to like.2023. 92+ Points
Moy Hall Viognier 2018 - A leesy and spice scented bouquet, the floral notes I look for in a Viognier are just showing on the nose. Seems a bit closed, but definitely interesting. On the palate - dry, weighty and just creamy. Contrasting acidity and spice allow the varietal signatures of apricot and flowers to show. Medium acidity, medium+ weight. Fine tannin texture and some mineral lees layers. Well-made and ready. 2022. 89 Points
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2017 - Youthful and fruit centric with an immediate pinosity, charm and elegance. Aromas and flavours of dark red cherry red apple skin and wild berries. Lovely texture and mouthfeel with firm tannins - adding a chalky-ness and unfiltered feel. Tense, dry, complex and lengthy. A lovely wine - long and fragrant. 2030. 95 Points