I’ve tasted and reviewed over 160 New Zealand Wines during 2024. The quality of New Zealand wines tasted has been just amazing – I haven’t encountered one single wine where I thought “Hmmm – something not quite right about that!”
I hope folks have enjoyed my notes over the last 12 month, and have had the chance to try some of them too – here are my top favourite 24 wines of 2024. Where there are two or three wines listed, I wasn’t able to choose between them. So here we go…
BUBBLES
No. 1 Family Estate No.1 Reserve NV Marlborough NZ
Bright yellow / gold in colour, fine, creamy mousse on pouring and tiny persistent bead. In the nose there’s fresh peach & citrus fruit aromas followed with yeasty, nutty, biscuity notes. The palate is layered & mouth-filling, a crisp, lemon citrus acid backbone is balanced by juicy, ripe stone-fruit flavours, then nutty, leesy, brioche & spice. A long, intense, complex & textured finish. This is my favourite of all Daniel’s wines – Stunning! This new release is limited to just 1,680 bottles, each of which have been individually hand numbered & hand labelled. 91% Chardonnay 9% Pinot Noir. $98.00
https://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/
Balvonie Methode Traditionelle Prosecco Glera 2023 Marlborough NZ
Pale, almost clear in colour with a faint green tinge, tiny persistent bead. Aromas of citrus, apple & pear, a hint of yeast & vanilla biscuit in the nose. It’s light, fresh & crisp on the palate with ripe pear, apple & lemon citrus fruit flavours, a creamy mousse texture & a gentle acidity, slightly nutty, semi sweet but off-dry & a delicious mid length finish. Look forward to future vintages of this first ever Marlborough Prosecco. $35.00
https://balvonie.nz/
Tohu Wines Rewa MT Chardonnay 2017 Marlborough NZ
Shiny pale lemon in colour, creamy mousse on pouring, fine bubbles / bead. The nose is enticing with lemon citrus & green apple, then toasted nuts & warm-bread aromas follow. The palate has a zesty lemon citrus acidity, juicy stone-fruit, creamy lees texture & complexity, a long dry concentrated finish – Vintage Methode, 72 months bottle age before disgorging then 5 more months resting before release. Gorgeous. $40.00
https://www.tohuwines.co.nz/
CHARDONNAY
Whitehaven Wairau Valley SV Greg Chardonnay 2023 Marlborough NZ
Bright shiny pale straw in colour with golden hues, medium viscosity. In the nose, ripe peach, nectarine & citrus aromas, smoky, flinty toasty oak notes follow. The palate is vibrant with juicy stone-fruit flavours, a grapefruity citrus acidity, & lovely creamy, nutty characters. Mid weighted, complex and long dry memorable finish. Outstanding! This is the inaugural vintage of this chardonnay, using Mendoza grapes from the Balvonie vineyard in Rapaura. Only 120 cases produced, celebrating Whitehaven’s 30th Year. $60.00
https://whitehaven.co.nz/
Lake Chalice Plume Chardonnay 2020 Marlborough NZ
Mid straw in colour with golden hues, ample bodied wine. Immediate waft of flint, gun-smoke on the nose then butterscotch, caramel popcorn, toasted nuts & spicy oak… Nice citrus acidity, ripe peach & nectarine fruit flavours, rounded out with layers of complexity from whole bunch, wild ferment, oak, lees and full malo treatment. This is a ‘big’ full flavoured weighty chardonnay, not for the ABC folk. I love this style – Excellent! Champion Chardonnay as well as White Wine of the Show at the Global Fine Wine Challenge $51.00
https://lakechalice.com/
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Jackson Estate Grey Ghost Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Marlborough NZ
Clear mid straw / gold in colour medium bodied. A floral, fragrant nose of stone-fruit, nectarine & citrus aromas initially then a hint of smoke & yeasty / lees! Ripe stonefruit & citrus flavours continue on the palate with a slight wet-stone mineral note & mandarin & lime acidity softened by lees, malo & oak influence – nicely balanced smooth long dry finish. Whole bunch, wild ferment, 70% in old French oak with lees stirring, full malo etc. 30% in S/S tank blended before bottling. Wonderful expression of Marlborough Barrique Sauvignon. $29.00
https://www.jacksonestate.co.nz/
Eva Pemper Wines Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Marlborough NZ
Pale straw in colour with subtle green/gold hues, lighter bodied. Vibrant lemon-lime citrus & tropical fruit aromas in the nose, some leafy green-herb & mineral notes follow. A juicy palate with flavours of ripe citrus, stone-fruit & pineapples. A crisp / zesty acid drive & a hint of mineral texturality, & a hint of savoury / herb on the finish. Delicious, concentrated and very moreish Savvy. $25.00
https://epwines.nz/
Escarpment Sauvignon Blanc 2024 Martinborough NZ
Bright pale straw in colour with green-gold hues. subdued tropical fruit, gooseberry & savoury green-herb aromatics in the nose. The palate reflects the nose with tropical fruit, lime citrus & crisp green apple flavours, zesty acidity softened with subtle oak & fine mineral texture & grip. The finish is bright & juicy, restrained & layered, off dry finish. The first Sauvignon Blanc in the Escarpment Winery portfolio. Excellent. $30.00
https://escarpment.co.nz/
PINOT GRIS
The Elder Pinot Hanson Lane Vineyard Pinot Gris 2022 Martinborough NZ
Bright mid-golden in colour with lovely oily viscosity / legs. The nose is fragrant & floral with aromas of sweet pear, white peach fruit then notes of spice / ginger. The palate follows with ripe pear, stone-fruit & spice flavours, a rich creamy & textural mouth feel, with subtle lees / oak influence, medium acidity, all nicely in balance. Long off-dry finish. Excellent! Pinot Gris from Te Muna Valley, 50% on lees in old French Oak, 50% in S/S for 7 months then up to 12 months in bottle before release. $45.00
https://www.theelderpinot.com/
Rockburn Pinot Gris 2023 Central Otago NZ
Pale gold in colour with subtle ‘onion skin’ hues, nice oily viscosity in the glass. Fragrant aromas of ripe pears, lush stone-fruit & spices in the nose. Juicy stone-fruit, peach & ripe pear flavours on the palate, medium weighted, nicely rounded & textured from time in old French Oak, a softer integrated acidity, a warm spice note & a long juicy finish. My first taste of this Pinot Gris from Rockburn. Excellent. $28.00
https://www.rockburn.co.nz/
RIESLING
Tohu Wines Awatere Valley Riesling 2024 Marlborough NZ
Almost clear in colour with hints of green & gold, medium viscosity. In the nose, fragrant, floral, juicy lemon / lime citrus aromas, red apple & a hint of honey too. Excellent weight & concentration on the palate, with ripe citrus reflecting the nose, stone-fruit & green apple flavours. It’s nicely textured with a grippy acidity & fruit sweetness on the finish. Still young but very delicious already! Yum! $19.00
https://www.tohuwines.co.nz/
OTHER WHITES
Colere The Wrekin Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2021 Marlborough NZ
Mid lemon in colour with green-gold hues. Enticing floral nose, with sweet red apple fruit, spice, white pepper, salt sea air & bready, lees aromas. Concentrated, medium to full bodied palate with fruit flavours reflecting the nose, spiced apples, honey, a salty, stoney mineral element, piquant grapefruit acidity & layers of texture & creamy mouthfeel – long & complex finish. Excellent. Gold medal – 2023 Aotearoa NZ organic wine awards. $55.00
https://www.colere.co.nz/
Piwakawaka Viognier 2020 Gisborne NZ
Bright lemon gold in colour, pale green hues medium viscosity. Fragrant & floral nose, sweet stone-fruit, apricot & nectarine aromas. The palate is clean & fresh still with concentrated stone-fruit / apricot flavours, a hint of honey, soft nicely integrated acidity & fine textural elements in balance – refreshing finish. Grown organically, this is a passion project for Steve and Kristin on their 2 hectare Gisborne vineyard. $30.00
https://piwakawakawines.co.nz/
Yealands Single Vineyard P.G.R 2024 Marlborough NZ
Clear pale straw in colour wih subtle green / gold hues. Lovely aromatic nose with notes of oranges, pears, peaches, lemons, limes & a hint of spice. The palate has a nice balance of sweet fruit, spice and citrus, bright acidity & textural elements from a little time on lees, the characteristics of all three varieties in harmony. An interesting & very quaffable blend. Delish! $30.00
https://www.yealands.co.nz/
ROSE
No. 1 Family Estate No. 1 Rosé 100% Pinot Noir NV Marlborough NZ
Gorgeous pale salmon pink with bright copper hues, creamy mousse & a fine bead. Fresh strawberry & raspberry aromas in the nose then creamy / nutty notes. The palate is all about summer berry flavours, a crisp zesty acidity, seems bone dry initially but there’s a residual fruit sweetness right across the palate. Long concentrated finish. A first class very elegant Pinot Rosé with depth & character. $49.00
https://www.no1familyestate.co.nz/
Colere Southern Valleys Rosato 2022 Marlborough NZ
Deep salmon pink in colour with orange / copper hues, tiny amount sediment in the bottle. Fragrant aromas of cherries & strawberry, red apple & a little savoury spice in the nose. Lovely mid-weighted palate, slightly creamy & yet crunchy with red berry & cherry flavours, a crisp acidity & powdery tannins. Savoury, spice & warmth from 14% alc on the finish. Full flavoured Rose with oomph! Yum! $45.00
https://www.colere.co.nz/
PINOT NOIR
Folding Hill Orchard Block Pinot Noir 2020 Bendigo, Central Otago NZ
Dark cherry red – garnet in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose, sweet red & dark berry fruit aromas, savoury dried herb / earth, a little spice & vanilla-wine biscuit notes. On the palate there’s juicy blackberry, blueberry, & raspberry fruit flavours, medium bodied & textured with layers of silky tannins, bright acidity, more savoury dried herb, toasty oak spice and a long, bone dry finish. A powerful & complex expression of central pinot. Outstanding! $65.00
https://www.foldinghill.co.nz/
Rapaura Springs Single Vineyard – South Brook Vineyard, Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2023 Marlborough NZ
Clear, raspberry / ruby red in colour, lighter bodied wine. Aromatic & subtly floral nose with dark cherry, blackberry & blackcurrant aromas, a hint of savoury green herb & warm spice notes follow. On the palate, ripe summer cherry, red & black berryfruit flavours & a mixed herb note. All supported by a crunchy acidity & silky tannins, structured, complex & well balanced. A little fruit sweetness & bright acidity in unison on the finish. Another excellent Pinot! $46.00
https://rapaurasprings.co.nz/
Colere Ashmore Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020 Marlborough NZ
Clear transparent raspberry to ruby red in colour, medium bodied wine. Fresh cherry, red berry & plum aromas in the nose, a little earthy, leafy note & subtle barrel spice notes follow. Tasty fruit-forward palate with juicy raspberry, cherry & plum flavours, savoury, spice & smoke elements all underpinned with fine silky tannins & bright, refreshing acidity. Loads of texture & mouthfeel – Concentrated persistent finish. Fabulous! $65.00
https://www.colere.co.nz/
SYRAH
Paritua Vineyards & inery Bridge Pa Syrah 2021 Hawke’s Bay NZ
Semi translucent deep cherry red in colour, light ruby red at the rim. Intense nose with dark cherry & dark berry fruit aromas, warm baking spices then savoury herb & pepper notes. Full bodied palate with lush plum, dark & red berry fruit flavours, wonderful textural elements, with fine powdery tannins, a grippy acidity and subtle oak all adding depth & complexity – persistent dry and mouthwatering finish – a beautifully balanced & elegant syrah. Just gorgeous. $50.00
https://paritua.com/
OTHER RED VARIETIES
Postage Stamp Wines Generoso Montepulciano 2021 Waiheke Island NZ
Deep purple in colour to the rim, ample bodied wine with nice legs! Enticing bouquet with dark & red fruit aromas, blackcurrant, ripe black doris plum & sweet spices. The palate is soft and supple, smooth & finely textured. Fruit flavours reflect the palate, fine tannins, gentle acidity & subtle oak influence all beautifully integrated. Very tasty / very drinkable. Excellent. Clone TK06640 Montepulciano grapes from the Onetangi Valley were hand harvested, fermented in 2T fermenters & aged in old barrels for 10 months before bottling. $57.00
https://postagestampwines.co.nz/
RED BLENDS
Paritua Vineyards & Winery Red Merlot, Cab Sav, Cab Franc 2020 Hawke’s Bay NZ
Dark purple / black cherry in colour to the rim, ‘ample bodied’ wine, opaque with great legs staining the glass. Powerful nose with aromas of black doris plum, blackberry, floral notes, a hint of choccy, warm oak spice & a mineral / earthy element. The palate is rich & concentrated with ripe dark berries, blackcurrants, spice, perfectly integrated tannins & acidity supported by fine toasty oak & nice heat from 14.5% abv. The finish is dry, long and very memorable – my favourite wine of the year so far! Outstanding. $50.00
https://paritua.com/
The Supernatural Paranormal Syrah 65% Malbec 35% 2022 Gisborne NZ
Darker red cherry in colour, lighter at the rim, semi opaque lighter bodied wine. Fragrant savoury nose with aromas of tomato stalk, ripe dark cherry, white pepper & a whiff of smoke? Lighter weight, crisp & juicy palate with flavours of dark cherries & berries, a hint of green tomato, a crunchy tart acidity, light grippy tannins & subtle oak influence adding texture & interest. Very different but tasty wine. Grapes from 3 Millton vineyards, indigenous carbonic ferments, full malo, 8 monhths on lees in a mix of french oak, unfined & unfiltered. Biodynamic Dmeter, 10.5% $45.00
https://www.supernaturalwine.com/
Cuvar Winery Iris Malbec Merlot 2022 Hawke’s Bay NZ
Deep cherry / garnet in colour to the rim, medium bodied. The nose has aromas of dark berries, juicy ripe plum, spices & smokey oak notes. Concentrated palate with dark berry, cherry & plum fruit flavours, nice grippy tannins & acidity with a fine oak & malo influence adding lovely textures & mouthfeel. Long dry but very fruit-driven finish. Excellent Barbecue / Red Meat wine! $34.00
https://www.cuvarwinery.com/