JB’s Wine Reviews 2025JB’s Wine Reviews 2025

Wines I’ve recently reviewed – feel free to browse and if there are any you’d like to try, just ‘Click the Link’ to visit the producer’s website.

Enjoy! Cheers, JB

JB’s Wine Reviews 2025 – All my wine tasting notes are posted to the NZ Wine Directory Instagram & Facebook feeds, and my personal Facebook feed too. * To Search this list, type CTRL & F together, then enter your search term.

To Submit Wines for Review visit: https://nzwinedirectory.co.nz/about/submit-wine-for-review/

March 2025

Clearview Estate ‘Old Olive Block’ 2020, Hawke’s Bay NZ
Deep purple to garnet in colour to the rim, medium bodied. Intensely fragrant nose of plum, black currant, blackberry, raspberry, oak spice & a green, savoury note. Great weight on the palate, rich fruity flavours reflecting the nose, grippy tannins, taught acidity & fine oak textural elements all in harmony, long dry concentrated finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot blend.
Excellent. RRP: $49.00 https://www.clearviewestate.co.nz/ (From my Cellar)

Project Vino ‘Teitei’ Pinot Noir 2020, Marlborough NZ
Bright translucent ruby red in colour, paler at the rim. Aromas of cherry, fresh red berries & subtle savoury, earthy notes in the nose. A softer palate has strawberry, raspberry & cherry fruit flavours, medium acidity, slightly chalky tannins, pepper & spice on the long concentrated finish. Still drinking nicely – bright & fruity, long dry finish. Another ‘Last Bottle’ from the wine cupboard, no longer available sadly. 70 dozen of this wine were made for a good cause – Alejandra Ruiz Lagos, Winemaker & viticulturist raised funds for the Oxford LandSAR and Christchurch Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) (From my Cellar)

Alana Estate Late Harvest Riesling 2017, Martinborough NZ
Deep golden, orange in colour with copper hues, oily tears / viscosity. Fantastic nose with aromas of sweet marmalade, dark raw honey, baked apricot & citrus. A creamy syrupy but not cloying palate, intense flavours of stewed apricots, apricot jam, slightly burnt toffee, nice acid balance still there 8 years on. Gorgeous long concentrated finish. A fantastic aperitif / dessert style wine – alas there is no more according to the Alana Website – Bugger, my last bottle of this too! RRP: $28.00 https://alana.co.nz/ (From my Cellar)

Terrace Edge ‘Liquid Geography’ Riesling 2021, Waipara, North Canterbury NZ
Mid yellow – gold in colour with pale green hues. An aromatic & floral nose, with green apple, sweet honey & citrus aromas. On the palate, flavours of apple, lemon, lime & sweet honey-comb. There’s a nice balance of fruit sweetness, acidity & texture, a touch of wet stone & some spice on the finish. A juicy, zesty and delicious Riesling, aging beautifully. RRP: $26.00 – https://terraceedge.co.nz/ (From my Cellar)

CharRees Riesling 2019, Ashburton, South Canterbury NZ
Bright mid-lemon gold in colour, lighter bodied. A fragrant nose with aromas of lemon & lime citrus nose, honey & bees wax notes. The palate is quite delicate with lemon citrus, some tropical fruit & honey flavours, a crisp tart acidity, well integrated with a long off-dry finish. At it’s best I think – RRP: $20.00 My last bottle from Esma and Charlie Hill’s tiny family vineyard that was situated in South Canterbury – the vineyard was sold in 2020 and no longer exists. (From my Cellar)

Askerne Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet 2020, Hawke’s Bay, NZ
Bright semi-translucent ruby to raspberry red in colour. Aromas of red & dark berries & ripe plums, spice & hint of chocolate in the nose. A mid weighted palate with silky tannins & soft acidity, the ripe fruit flavours of dark berries & plums complimented by subtle savoury & choc notes, Long dry tasty finish. Very good value at RRP:$25.00. A blend 43% Merlot, 29% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 20% new oak component. https://askernewines.co.nz/ (From my Cellar)

Whitehaven Gewurztraminer 2024, Marlborough NZ
Bright pale straw in colour with lemon / gold hues, light oily viscosity. Wonderfully fragrant floral nose with aromas of Turkish delight, citrus blossom & ginger spice. Nicely weighted palate with flavours of Turkish delight, juicy citrus, tropical fruit & sweet spice, a nice acid backbone, 14.75% alc/v & 15 gm/l residual sugar add warmth and sweetness. Long intense finish – excellent match for spicy Asian dishes – delicious! RRP: $32.00 https://whitehaven.co.nz/

February 2025

Louis Vavasour LV Methode Traditionelle NV Marlborough NZ
Pale lemon – gold in colour, creamy mousse, tiny persistent bead / bubbles. In the nose, enticing aromas of ripe stone-fruit, berries & citrus, nutty, vanilla biscuit & oak notes follow. Crisp & effervescent on the palate, fruit flavours reflecting the nose, it’s beautifully textured, a fine acidity balanced with light creamy lees influence, long dry & absolutely delicious finish. 40% Chardonnay 60% Pinot Noir. RRP: $59.00 LV Wine https://www.lvwine.co.nz/ An ‘Ocean Aged’ release is also available.

Triplebank ‘Awatere Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough NZ
Light straw in colour with pale green hues, shiny & bright. An intensely aromatic & typically Awatere nose of green herb / tomato stalk, ripe tropical fruit & green gooseberry aromas. A juicy & concentrated palate with ripe passion-fruit & tropical fruit flavours, a zesty tart acidity & savoury, salty mineral notes add texture, a long crisp dry finish. Gold Medal, 96 points and Champion Sauvignon Blanc, New World Wine Awards 2024. Available at Supermarkets nationwide. Brilliant value for money RRP: $16.00 – $20.00.
https://www.pernod-ricard.com/en/locations/new-zealand

Vilaura Methose Traditionelle Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay 2020, Marlborough NZ
Bright & clear, yellow gold in colour, creamy mousse on pouring, fine persistent bead. In the nose, ripe peach, pineapple, melon aromas, vanilla biscuit, leesy notes follow. On the palate, juicy stone-fruit & citrus flavours, a crisp acid backbone & subtle minerality, all embraced in a creamy mousse & texture, toasted cashew & spice notes at the end. A long concentrated, succulent, yet dry finish. Excellent! RRP: $58.00 https://www.vilaura.co.nz/

Church Road Syrah 2021, Hawke’s Bay NZ
Deep ruby / purple in colour lighter at the rim, medium bodied. Fragrant & aromatic nose of cherries, dark berries & red plums, a hint of pepper / spice. The mid weighted palate has rich dark berry & cherry fruit flavours, white pepper / spice, nicely integrated acidity & fine silky tannins, lots of texture & warmth – long concentrated dry finish, Excellent value – Gold Medal & Trophy at the New World Wine Awards 2024 RRP: $20.00 https://www.church-road.com/

Delta Estate ‘Hatters Hill’ Chardonnay 2023, Marlborough NZ
Mid straw in colour with pale green – gold hues. Aromas of lemon citrus, peaches & nectarines in the nose, then notes of spice & nutty oak follow. Mid-weighted palate with ripe peach & rock melon flavours, a crisp, tart citrus acidity is balanced with a creamy mouth-feel & gentle nutty oak textures. The finish is rich, fruit driven, dry yet juicy. RRP: $30.00 https://www.deltawines.co.nz/

Dunnolly Estate Pinot Noir 2023, North Canterbury NZ
Clear, translucent medium ruby-red in colour, lighter at the rim. Fragrant & inviting nose has aromas of ripe red berries, cherries & red plums, just a hint of sweet oak spice too. On the palate fine tannins, a gentle acidity & subtle oak textural elements, juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, are all in balance. Dry, lengthy fruity finish & although still quite young, is drinking beautifully right now. RRP: $30.00 https://dunnolly.co.nz/

Dunnolly Estate Pinot Gris 2024 North Canterbury NZ
Pale straw-gold in colour, clear and bright, medium viscosity. In the nose, aromas of ripe red apples & pears, & sweet nougat / spice notes. On the mid weighted palate, juicy pear & red apple flavours, the lemon/lime acidity, a little minerality & spicy notes are all nicely integrated. Nicely textured with a creamy mouthfeel, the fruit-forward finish is long & off dry. RRP: $20.00 https://dunnolly.co.nz/

Dunnolly Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 North Canterbury NZ
Bright pale straw in colour with subtle green hues. In the nose immediate grassy, savoury green-herb aromas, then lemon & lime citrus & sweet tropical fruit notes follow. On the palate, crunchy green apple & juicy tropical fruit flavours, a vibrant lime acidity & grippy stony textures, a little residual sweetness on an intense, long juicy & zesty finish. RRP: $20.00 https://dunnolly.co.nz/

Q Wine Pinot Noir 2020, Waitaki Valley NZ
Dark ruby red / garnet in colour, lighter at the rim. Savoury, earthy aromas in the nose at first, then red fruit notes come through with cherries, plums, dark berries flavours & spice. Medium bodied palate with cherry & red berry fruit flavours, supported by a fresh / grippy acidity, fine chalky tannins & well integrated oak influence – all resulting in a generous and very persistent bone dry finish. Gorgeous! Another outstanding example of Waitaki Pinot Noir. https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Pinot Noir 2022, Waitaki Valley NZ
Medium translucent ruby red in colour lighter at the rim. The nose is fragrant & floral, with cherry & red berry aromas, savoury earth & spice notes. The lighter bodied palate has concentrated flavours of dark cherry, plum & raspberries, savoury earth notes & mixed spice. A bright acidity, grippy tannins & fine oak providing texture & depth. A mouth-watering, very long, bone-dry finish. An excellent example of the quality of Pinot Noir now produced in the Waitaki region. https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Chardonnay 2020, Waitaki Valley NZ
Bright shiny light lemon-gold in color, medium viscosity. In the nose tart grapefruit & juicy stone-fruit aromas, a little wet-stone mineral & yeasty lees notes. On the palate, layers of concentrated citrus & stone-fruit with fine barrel & lees influence, a grippy acidity, toasted cashew & warm spices – again like the 2021, a wonderfully textured & luscious wine – very long intense & dry finish – stunning! RRP: $60.00 https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Chardonnay 2021, Waitaki Valley NZ
Medium yellow-gold in colour, medium viscosity, clear bright. Fresh aromas of ripe peaches, grapefruit, crusty warm bread, vanilla biscuit & spice in the nose. On the palate, juicy concentrated stone-fruit & citrus flavours, a zesty acidity, toasty oak, a lush creamy, lees mouthfeel, nutty spice all nicely integrated. A little heat from 14.5% abv & very long dry finish. A complex & beautifully textured wine. I love this style of Chardonnay! RRP:$60.00 https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Pinot Noir Rosé 2024, Waitaki Valley, NZ
Bright & shiny medium salmon pink in colour with copper hues. Fragrant nose with aromas of strawberries & cream, red berries & cherries. On the palate, concentrated plum, raspberry & cherry fruit flavours are supported by a fresh, tart acid line & fine rounded tannins adding complexity. A luscious, rich & very moreish dry finish. A great choice for celebrating NZ Rose Day 2025. RRP: $35.00
https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Barrel Reserve Pinot Gris 2023, Waitaki Valley NZ
Mid yellow-gold in colour to the rim with an oily viscosity / legs. Enticing nose with aromas of ripe stone-fruit, tropical fruit, yellow apple, warm spice, vanilla-wine biscuits. The creamy, silky palate has weight & complexity, juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, textured with fine tannins, a crisp acidity, lees & oak influences adding depth. Bone-dry concentrated finish – Excellent. RRP: $50.00
https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Pinot Gris 2023, Waitaki Valley NZ
Bright deep yellow/gold in colour, medium legs, viscosity. Fragrant nose with aromas of fresh stone-fruit, pineapple, red apple & mixed spice. Mid-weighted palate with texture & complexity, fruit flavours reflecting the nose, tropical, stone-fruit, pear, a refreshing acidity & ginger spices, residual sugars result in a long off-dry finish. Juicy! RRP: $34.00 https://www.qwine.co.nz/

Q Wine Pinot Gris 2024, Waitaki Valley NZ
Mid straw coloured with yellow-gold hues, medium legs, viscosity. Fresh aromas of stewed apple, pear, nectarine & spice in the nose. The palate is crisp, youthful & bright with layers of peach, apple & tropical fruit flavours, subtle oak / lees influence, a grippy citrus acidity & spicy notes all in harmony, great length too. Delicious! RRP: $34.00 https://www.qwine.co.nz/

January 2025

Wiese Family Wines – The Vice Wines, ‘Nightfall’ Pet Nat, Pinot Noir 2024, Central Otago NZ
Shiny raspberry red in colour with subtle copper hues, tiny persistent bead. A slight reductive / savoury note quickly fades to offer fresh aromas of summer cherry, raspberry & strawberry. The palate has a nice wee spritz & tart acidity, balanced with concentrated berry & cherry fruit flavours & a hint of sweetness on the finish. Very interesting, fresh & quite tasty – serve well chilled! This is the second wine Petrus & Daiana made – Methode Ancestrale. A ‘must try’ Pet Nat. RRP: $35.00 https://www.wiesefamilywines.com/

Wiese Family Wines – The Vice Wines, ‘Daybreak’ Petillant Naturel, Pinot Gris 2023, Central Otago NZ
Deep gold in colour with pale orange hues, tiny persistent bead. Aromas of pear, apple & stone-fruit in the nose, a hint of spice & baked bread too. The palate is effervescent & vibrant, with a crisp citrus acidity & creamy textures, stone-fruit, apple & spice flavours reflecting the nose. A medium bodied wine, off dry finish. Very refreshing – serve well chilled! This is the first wine from Petrus & Daiana made in the Methode Ancestrale style. Recommended. RRP: $35.00 https://www.wiesefamilywines.com/

Wiese Family Wines – The Vice Wines, Pinot Noir 2023, Central Otago NZ
Light translucent ruby red in colour, paler at the rim. Savoury earth, green herb at first in the nose then cherry, dark berries & plum aromas, some subtle nutty oak & spice. Gentle on the palate initially then, red berry, plum & cherry flavours, a fresh acidity, silky tannins & oak influence all in harmony. Savoury, spice & earth notes & a dry yet juicy finish – Delicious. RRP: $50.00
https://www.wiesefamilywines.com/

Wiese Family Wines – The Vice Wines, Pinot Gris 2024, Central Otago NZ
Bright & shiny lemon-gold in colour, slight viscosity. In the nose, fresh stone-fruit aromas, peach / nectarine, green apple & tart citrus, subtle nutty, biscuity notes too. Nicely weighted palate has juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, stone-fruit, apple & citrus, a crunchy acidity, spice & pear skin / barrel texture & residual sweetness. Off-dry & tasty finish. RRP:$32.00
https://www.wiesefamilywines.com/

Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2022, Martinborough NZ
Bright translucent raspberry / ruby red colour, lighter at the rim. Fresh aromas of cherries & red summer berries in the nose, subtle savoury / mushroom & spice notes follow. Red berry & cherry flavours on the palate reflect the nose, supple tannins & a softer acidity are rounded out with fine oak. Texture & layered, silky mouthfeel and a long, dry very tasty finish. Drinking beautifully. Awarded Gold & Champion Pinot Noir at the 2024 New World Wine Awards. RRP: $30.00
https://www.lunaestate.co.nz/

McCorkindale ‘Brut Nature LC13’ Blanc de Blanc NV, Waipara, North Canterbury NZ
Deep golden yellow in colour, frothy creamy mousse on pouring, fine bead. In the nose, aromas of ripe peaches, apple & lemon citrus, notes of cashew nuts & warm bread follow. The palate is crisp, creamy & complex – layers of stone-fruit & citrus flavours are enveloped in layers of chalky acidity, fine minerality & subtle nutty oak influence. Long dry finish. As Alan says “100% Chardonnay from our vines, 10 years on lees, zero dosage, complex, oxidative grower style.” RRP:$149.00
https://alanmccorkindale.com/

McCorkindale Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough NZ
Clear, pale straw-lemon in colour, subtle green hues. A vibrant, expressive nose with citrus, green herb, gooseberry, ripe stone fruit & tropical fruit aromas, a hint of lees. A richly textured, mid weighted palate has flavours of ripe stone-fruit, crunchy green apple & tart lemon lime citrus. A zesty acidity, fine minerality & a hint of yeasty lees adding complexity. Long dry tasty finish. Excellent. RRP:$40.00
https://alanmccorkindale.com/

Esses ‘Encore’ Vintage Brut Cuvee 2016, Kaikoura, Marlborough NZ
Bright mid yellow-gold in colour, creamy mousse on pouring, tiny persistent bead. Lovely nutty / vanilla nose with aromas of peaches, green apples, lemons & warm oven-baked bread. The mid-weighted palate is beautifully textured, crisp lemony acidity & sparkly effervescence tickles the taste-buds, stone-fruit & grape-fruit citrus flavours are complemented with with nutty, yeasty goodness. Long tasty dry finish. Excellent aged Methode Traditionnelle. 96% Chardonnay & 4 % Pinot Noir, bottled 2017, disgorged 2023, 75 months on lees, 12 months under cork, opened today – Stunning! RRP:$75.00
https://esseswine.com/

Seifried Estate ‘Aotea’ Methode Traditionelle NV, Nelson NZ
Mid yellow – gold in colour, fine creamy mousse on pouring, tiny persistent bead / bubbles. In the nose, aromas of ripe stone-fruit & grapefruity citrus, nutty, yeasty, biscuity notes follow. Flavours of peach, nectarine & lemon citrus on the palate, notes of warm bread, toasted nuts & spice too. It certainly is bone dry, a crisp acidity & layers of creamy effervescence & texture providing complexity – Great length, very moreish! 52% Pinot Noir 48% Chardonnay, 4 years bottle age. Gold Medal NZIWS 2024. RRP: $39.00
https://seifried.co.nz/

Seifried Estate ‘Old Coach Road’ Riesling 2024, Nelson NZ
Shiny, light straw in colour with pale lemon & green hues, medium viscosity / legs. A lovely fragrant nose delivers lemon, tangelo, mandarin aromas, then hints of green apple & sweet honey notes. Lots of luscious citrus flavours on the palate, a crunchy acidity & apple skin textures are nicely balanced with a lick of sweet honey on the finish, 13% abv adding warmth. Beautifully structured wine – love to see in a few years as it develops, but drinking beautifully now, it’s delicious and a bargain at just RRP: $16.00
https://seifried.co.nz/

Seifried Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Nelson NZ
Clear & bright lemon-gold in colour, medium bodied wine. Gorgeous tropical fruit-driven nose, passion-fruit, gooseberry & a savoury crushed green herb note too. Nicely weighted, fleshy palate, juicy & fruity with flavours of ripe passion-fruit, gooseberry, melon, fresh pineapple & lemon citrus to boot. A zesty acidity & lush concentrated slightly grippy mouthfeel on the long finish. This vintage has won several Gold & Silver Medals already – it shows! Incredible value at just RRP: $20.00 Excellent.
https://seifried.co.nz/

Saint Clair Family Estate ‘Pioneer Block 17 Plateau’ Cabernet Merlot 2021, Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay NZ
Semi translucent, dark ruby / black cherry in colour to the rim, medium bodied. In the nose aromas of dark plum, cassis, spice & savoury green herb, cigar notes. The palate begins with ripe dark berry fruit, black-current, damson plums & spice, a wee hint of chocolate too. Velvety tannins, a fine acidity & subtle oak all nicely integrated, richly texture & layers of complexity. Intense full flavoured, long & dry finish! RRP $42.00 https://saintclair.co.nz/

Saint Clair Family Estate ‘Camp Block 28’ Pinot Blanc 2022, Marlborough NZ
Pale bright lemon-gold in colour, medium viscosity / legs. A lovely fragrant & floral nose has aromas of ripe peaches, fresh green apples, a little lemon citrus & subtle baking spice note. A mid-weighted palate has flavours of ripe stone-fruit, apples & spice. It’s textured & complex, with a crisp grape-fuity acidity, silky tannins, & nice wet-stone minerality. Nicely balanced & quite delicious, with a hint of white pepper on a luscious long finish. RRP: $33.00 https://saintclair.co.nz/

Saint Clair Family Estate, ‘Wairau Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough NZ
Clear pale straw in colour with faint green hues, light oily legs / viscosity. Very fragrant nose with intense aromas of tart citrus, gooseberry, green herb & subtle savoury notes. The palate has concentrated flavours of tropical fruit, mangoes, capsicum, & a savoury dried herb note. A zesty lime acidity & layers of mineral / salty textural elements add depth. The finish is both dry & juicy, persistent & mouth watering. RRP: $36.00 https://saintclair.co.nz/

Penkridge Farm Pinot Noir 2023, Central Otago NZ
Bright, translucent dark ruby coloured wine, lighter at the rim. Enticing nose with aromas of sweet dark plums, cherries, subtle smoke & savoury notes. Medium palate with juicy fruit flavours reflecting the nose, nicely textured with a lively acidity, silky tannins & subtle oak spice all in harmony. On the finish, it’s juicy & warming, with 5.85 g/L RS adding a sweet element & 14% Alc. RRP: $42.00 https://penkridgefarm.co.nz/

Penkridge Farm, Pinot Noir Rosé 2024 Central Otago
Pretty, shiny pale ‘watermelon’ pink in colour. In the nose aromas of summer berries, raspberry, strawberries & cream & a hint of ‘smoker lollies’. A vibrant palate with flavours of red berries, cherries, red plum & spice. There’s a racy acidity & grippy tannins / textural elements, all rounded out with a little residual sweetness on the long juicy full flavoured finish. RRP: $32.00 https://penkridgefarm.co.nz/

Penkridge Farm Pinot Gris 2024 Central Otago
Pale straw in colour with the slightest green hue, medium bodied. The nose is quite floral at first then peach, pear & citrus aromas follow. Concentrated, rich & ‘pear skin’ textured palate has flavours of ripe nashi pears, lemons, white fleshed stone-fruit & a hint of spice. There’s a refreshing citrus acidity & a long, dry, luscious finish. Really delicious, very moreish. RRP: $34.00 https://penkridgefarm.co.nz/