Two New Zealand Masters of Wine behind acclaimed brands Blank Canvas and Pyramid Valley have welcomed the results of the latest Vinous white wine report, celebrating growing global recognition for site-driven, fine wine from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Steve Smith MW, Managing Partner of Pyramid Valley and Sophie Parker-Thomson of Blank Canvas wines were thrilled with the results of the latest report by respected wine critic and Master of Wine Rebecca Gibb. The report highlights the exceptional quality emerging from New Zealand’s single-vineyard whites.
Vinous, founded by renowned critic Antonio Galloni, is recognised globally alongside Jancis Robinson and The Wine Advocate as one of the world’s most influential sources of wine critique, making this recognition particularly meaningful.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the commitment to quality and site expression of the producers recognised in Rebecca’s report,” says Steve Smith MW. “It’s also worth mentioning that nine of the top twelve wines are members of the New Zealand Fine Wine Story group – a collective created to increase the global recognition of New Zealand as a producer of some of the finest wines in the world.”
Blank Canvas wines topped the list, with three of their wines receiving exceptional scores: 2021 Abstract Sauvignon Blanc (96 points), 2024 Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (94 points), and 2023 Reed Vineyard Chardonnay (94 points).
Fellow New Zealand Fine Wine story members Framingham 2024 Noble Riesling followed closely with 95 points – the highest score in its category.
Pyramid Valley also earned high recognition for their 2023 Lion’s Tooth Chardonnay and 2023 Weaver Sauvignon Blanc, each scoring an impressive 94 points. Greystone and Felton Road achieved the same score of 94 points for their Sauvignon Blanc and Block 2 and 6 Chardonnays respectively.
The report also highlighted the South Island’s exceptional quality, with eleven of the top twelve wines coming from the mainland, affirming the region’s continued refinement and depth in white wine styles. As Gibb notes in her summation, “There are plenty of other varieties that can and should enjoy an affinity with New Zealand’s dirt while remembering to thank the land, sky and water for what it has given them: fruit purity, luminosity and brightness.”
Sophie Parker-Thomson MW co-owner of Blank Canvas adds: “The growing recognition for New Zealand’s fine whites, driven by quality-focused producers dedicated to site-specific expression, reflects a very exciting evolution for our industry. We’re honoured and encouraged by the endorsement for our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and thrilled to see the top wines collectively showcasing the exceptional terroir and the phenomenal quality potential of New Zealand. This recognition further establishes New Zealand’s growing global reputation for producing wines of distinct character, authenticity, and world-class quality – and signals a bright future for the country’s fine white wine movement.”