Wines I’ve tasted and reviewed in 2026. Feel free to browse and if there are any you like the sound of, just visit the producer’s website. Enjoy, JB.
All my wine tasting notes are posted to the NZ Wine Directory Social Media too. * To Search this list, type CTRL & F together, then enter your search term / keywords.
To Submit Wines for Review visit: https://nzwinedirectory.co.nz/about/submit-wine-for-review/
2026 WINE REVIEWS – Latest First
APRIL 2026
Two Rivers ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Méthode Traditionelle / Brut Nature NV
Bright, pale rose-gold in colour with copper hues, fine mouse on pouring, tiny persistent bead. An inviting nose with fragrant floral notes, aromas of red summer berries & subtle hints of oak / lees. On the palate a lovely ‘spritz’ with juicy red berry fruit flavours, a crisp acidity & layers of texture & complexity – a really long intense berry finish. 100% Pinot Noir, fermented in concrete egg, 12 months full lees & malo in barrel, then 12 months tirage. Delicious & most excellent ‘first bubbles’ from Dave & the team at Two Rivers. RRP: $55.00 – https://www.tworivers.co.nz/
OTU Limited Release Pinot Noir Rosé, 2025
Shiny pale salmon pink in colour with copper hues. In the nose, pretty floral notes then aromas of strawberry & cream, red summer berries & crisp red apples. On the palate, bright summer raspberry, strawberry & cranberry flavours, it’s medium bodied with a crunchy crisp apple acidity & a fine textured mouthfeel, The finish is long & dry but juicy! A delicious Autumn Evening sip! RRP: $24.00 – https://www.otuwines.com/
OTU ‘Limited Release’ Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Clear straw in colour with pale green hues. In the nose, it’s fragrant & inviting with ripe tropical fruit & lemon / lime citrus aromas, savoury, grassy, herbal notes too. On the palate, medium weighted with concentrated tropical fruit flavours, passion-fruit, green apples, limes, a refreshing zingy acidity, stony minerality & leesy textures adding complexity. Long luscious & persistent finish. Excellent Savvy & great Value! RRP: $24.00 – https://www.otuwines.com/
MARCH 2026
Alana Estate Riesling 2020, Martinborough, NZ
Shiny bright pale yellow-gold in colour, a medium viscosity. In the nose aromas of lemon – lime citrus, apricots, a hint of kero & beeswax. On the palate, flavours of apricot, green apple, lime & honeycomb, a crisp, zesty acidity, wet-stone & mineral elements adding texture & grip. 11.5% abv. Tasty, long medium-dry finish. Drinking nicely. RRP: 18.00 – https://alana.co.nz/
Luna Estate ‘Blue Rock’ Pinot Noir 2020, Martinborough NZ
Deep ruby red to garnet in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose, aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, dried herb, savoury earth & smoky oak notes. On the palate, it’s rich & vibrant, lush flavours of ripe cherry, blackberries, cocoa, savoury mushroom & leather. A youthful acidity (still) is complemented by silky tannins & fine grained oak textures & mouthfeel. A long elegant, fruit-driven finish. Fabulous Pinot!
RRP: $60.00 – https://www.lunaestate.co.nz/
Tohu Wines ‘One’ Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
Translucent dark cherry to ruby red in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose, enticing aromas of sweet dark & red summer berries, cherry, savoury forest-floor / mushroom & dried herb notes follow. On the palate, a punch of concentrated bright red berry & plum fruit flavours, supported by a medium acidity, fine chalky tannins & toasty oak. Layers of complexity, beautifully integrated wine with a long, dry & most elegant finish. Excellent. RRP: $45.00 – https://tohuwines.co.nz/
Tohu Wines ‘Matangi’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024
Glossy pale yellow in colour with soft green hues. In the nose, inviting aromas of white flesh stone-fruit, fresh grapefruit, lemon & nutty, smokey notes. On the palate, it’s juicy & fruit forward, peach, nectarine & red apple flavours, nicely textured with a crunchy acid line & fine textural elements, subtle creamy, nutty, fine oak influence all in unison. Complex & concentrated very persistent, juicy finish. Excellent. RRP: $40.00 – https://tohuwines.co.nz/
Tohu Wines ‘Marewa’ Single Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Bright pale yellow-gold in colour, lighter legs. In the nose, vibrant aromas of ripe tropical fruit, pineapple, guava, savoury green capsicum & fresh herb notes. On the palate, it’s medium bodied, textured & layered, lots of tropical & stone-fruit flavours, then a zing of lemon / lime acidity, a hint of mineral grip, & subtle oak / lees. The finish is balanced, beautifully integrated, succulent & very moreish! Excellent.
RRP: $35.00 – https://tohuwines.co.nz/
Balvonie Prosecco Rosé 2025, Marlborough NZ
A New Zealand first, this new Sparkling Rosé is made in the Prosecco style from Marlborough grown Glera (97.5%) & Pinot Noir (2.5%) grapes. In the glass… a pretty pale salmon pink in colour, fine persistent bead on pouring. In the nose, it’s floral, aromas of tangelo, citrus, red berries & creamy lees. On the palate, there’s a fresh effervescence, light creamy mousse / mouth-feel with flavours of strawberry, raspberry, crisp apple, a fresh acidity & some biscuit / lees notes to finish. 10 gm/L RS & just 11% Abv. A delightful, refreshing new sip from Balvonie NZ. RRP: $35.00 – https://balvonie.nz/
Mahi ‘Alchemy’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Marlborough NZ
Glossy mid-golden coloured wine, nice oily viscosity. In the nose, enticing aromas of ripe stone-fruit, melon, lemon citrus pith, creamy lees & spiced oak notes. On the palate it’s lush, rich & layered, juicy stone-fruit & tart citrus flavours, nicely weighted & balanced, the zesty citrus acid line softened with a little creamy lees & fine oak influence. The finish is complex, textured & persistent. Excellent.
RRP: $45.00 – https://mahiwine.co.nz/
Mahi ‘The Wrekin’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Marlborough NZ
Pale straw-gold in colour, subtle green hues, medium viscosity. In the nose a touch of smoke, aromas of citrus, ripe apple, stone-fruit & spice. On the palate juicy citrus & stone-fruit flavours, it’s crisp & textured with a ‘wet-stone’ grip, bright grape-fruity citrus acidity & fine nutty, spiced oak influence. A hint of yeasty lees & a little heat from 14.1 % Abv. Long, concentrated, crisp & dry finish. Excellent.
RRP: $45.00 – https://mahiwine.co.nz/
Mahi, ‘Twin Valleys’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Marlborough NZ
Bright clear yellow/gold in colour medium legs. In the nose, fresh aromas of ripe peach, nectarine, tart citrus & subtle toasty oak notes. On the palate it’s fruit driven, grilled grapefruit citrus, juicy stone-fruit & crisp green apple flavours, crisp acidity, a little mineral grip & a light creamy / nutty barrel mouthfeel. Medium weighted with a long dry, beautifully textured & very moreish finish. Excellent.
RRP: $45.00 – https://mahiwine.co.nz/
FEBRUARY 2026
Not many wines this month as I had Surgery and was unable to imbibe any alcohol – I’m really hanging out for a glass of something – next month!!!
Brockenchack ‘Zip Line’ Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021, Eden Valley, Barossa AUS
Deep translucent ruby red – purple in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose florals then aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries a hint of vanilla and black pepper / spice notes. On the palate it’s medium bodied, surprisingly smooth with tannins, oak & acidity all nicely in balance, flavours of red & black berry fruit, some choccy notes, savoury leather & oak spice. Long dry very moreish finish. A great value tasty Aussie red – BBQ time? (Current vintage available is 2022) RRP: $26.00 – https://brockenchack.nz/
Tony Bish Wines ‘Golden Egg’ Chardonnay 2024, Hawke’s Bay
Glossy, light yellow-gold in colour with a medium viscosity. In the nose floral & herb notes then aromas of ripe fleshy peaches & lemon citrus, hints of toffee, yeast lees & wet stones. On the palate it’s medium bodied, juicy stone-fruit & citrus flavours, a ‘green apple’ acidity & slight grippy tannin / mineral structure, nicely textured, time in concrete eggs adding complexity & depth. A long concentrated dry finish. Excellent. RRP: $45.00 – https://tonybishwines.co.nz/
Invivo X-SJP ‘Blend 3’ Pinot Noir 2024, Marlborough NZ
Translucent medium ruby red to garnet in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose, inviting aromas of dark berries, cherries & plums, some oak spice & a savoury, leather note. Great fruit concentration on the palate too, with juicy dark berry, cherry & plum flavours, a hint of spice all supported by fine silky tannins, a fresh acidity & a nice touch of toasty oak. Long dry finish. A little Central Otago fruit was added to the blend. This is the 3rd release of Sarah’s Pinot Noir – Excellent. RRP: $30.00 – https://invivowines.com/product/invivo-x-sjp-pinot-noir-2024/
JANUARY 2026
Invivo Wines, X-SJP, Blend 7, Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough NZ
Glossy pale straw in colour with a tiny green tinge. In the nose, fragrant but delicate with aromas of tropical passion-fruit, lemon & lime citrus, subtle green pepper & a hint of honey. On the palate, it’s nicely integrated, fruit flavours reflecting the nose, tropical & citrus, a fresh acidity & nicely textured, lees / oak influence, subtle green herb, savoury, salty notes on the finish. I previously tasted the 2019 & 2020 vintages and was impressed – this is excellent too. RRP: $22.00 – https://invivowines.com/product/invivo-x-sjp-sauvignon-blanc-2025/
Graham Norton Wines & Spirits ‘GN’ Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough NZ
Bright clear / straw in colour with pale golden hues. In the nose it’s fresh & aromatic, with aromas of tropical & stone-fruit, crunchy apple, lime zest & a hint of green capsicum. On the palate it’s clean, fresh & juicy, with tropical fruit, tropical / pineapple & lime-citrus flavours, mouthwatering texture, a zesty acidity & juicy fruit concentration on the finish. 10th vintage of this wine made by Invivo Wines using 90% Sauvignon Blanc & 10% Chardonnay adding textural interest. Just Delicious. RRP: $18.00 – https://invivowines.com/graham-norton-wines/
Invivo Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough NZ
Pale straw, almost clear in colour with a subtle green hue. In the nose it’s vibrant & pungent, aromas of ripe tropical fruit, passion-fruit, guavas, citrus & green herb notes. On the palate it’s all tropical & green apple fruit flavours then juicy limes & savoury red capsicums. A zesty acidity & medium body / slight creamy mouthfeel, add interest & complexity on the finish. This is the 15th vintage of this excellent Savvy – brilliant value too. RRP: $18.00 – https://invivowines.com/
Sorrell Wines ‘Churton’ Pinot Noir 2023
Medium semi-translucent ruby-red in colour, paler at the rim. In the nose there’s aromas of summer berries, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, fine oak spice & a savoury dried herb / earth note. On the palate it’s ample bodied & bone dry with cherry, berry & plum fruit flavours, fine grippy tannins & oak, a good whack of acidity too. Concentrated, robust wine, with a long, dry, intense & very persistent finish. Just fabulous! RRP:$49.00 – https://www.sorrellwines.co.nz/
Sorrell Wines ‘The Wrekin’ Chardonnay 2023
Pale straw in colour with green-gold hues, medium viscosity. In the nose, aromas of ripe stone-fruit, crisp apple & lemon citrus, smoky & nutty, with lees, vanilla & spice notes too. On the palate, crisp & fruit focused with sweet peach & tart citrus flavours, a lively acidity & subtle lees & oak influence, layers of complexity all beautifully integrated. Juicy but bone-dry very persistent finish. Love this style. Excellent. RRP: $42.00 – https://www.sorrellwines.co.nz/
Sorrell Wines ‘Auntsfield Vineyard’ Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Glossy pale golden coloured with subtle green hues. In the fragrant & slightly floral nose there are aromas of ripe peach, nectarine, lemon citrus oil / pith & mineral / spice notes. On the palate it’s beautifully textured, with bright citrus & juicy stone-fruit flavours, a zesty acidity & a little wet-stone grip, subtle creamy lees too. Complex, layered, mouth-watering & delicious, long finish. Excellent.
RRP: $35.00 – https://www.sorrellwines.co.nz/
Misha’s Vineyard Wines ‘Cadenza’ Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2025, Central Otago
Deep golden, brassy coloured wine with an oily viscosity. In the nose intensely concentrated aromas of orange & mandarin, warm spice, stewed apple & burnt toffee notes. On the palate, concentrated flavours of pineapples & nashi pear & ripe stone-fruit, 174 gms/l RS provides a luscious but not sickly sweet mouthfeel, chalky acidity & complexity all contribute to a long, smooth & scrumptious finish! Just Yum! RRP: $40.00 – https://mishasvineyard.com/
Misha’s Vineyard ‘Cantata’ Pinot Noir 2023, Central Otago
Bright, shiny & translucent deep ruby-red in colour. In the nose it’s fragrant & sweet with aromas of juicy plum, red berries & cherry, savoury dried herb notes, spice & toasted nuts. On the palate it’s beautifully structured, bone dry & luscious, with sweet red berry, plum & dark cherry fruit flavours, a fresh acidity, silky tannins & fine oak influence all resulting in a concentrated, textured long finish. Another fabulous Otago Pinot and an excellent price point too. Excellent. RRP: $35.00 – https://mishasvineyard.com/
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The Soloist’ Pinot Noir Rosé 2025, Central Otago
A pretty, bright & clear ‘rose-gold’ in colour with faint copper hues. In the nose it’s all ‘summer flowers’ then aromas of summer raspberry, strawberry & cherry fruit, a hint of lees & warm spice. On the palate, lots of sweet, red summer berry flavours, it’s crisp & dry with a silky mouthfeel, fruity tannins & ‘crunchy apple’ acidity, all in unison. On the finish it lingers on the palate for ages. A Gorgeous Summer Sip!RRP: $32.00 – https://mishasvineyard.com/
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The Gallery’ Gewürztraminer 2025, Central Otago
Shiny pale straw in colour with soft green & gold hues, nice oily viscosity. On the nose it’s fragrant & floral, then aromas of sweet peach, baked apple, ginger-spice & Turkish delight jellies. On the palate, delicious & moreish, flavours of ripe nectarine, pear & apple, honeycomb & baking spices, nicely weighted with a grippy acidity, the use of wild yeasts & barrel fermentation adding layers of depth & complexity. A long off dry finish. Great food match for spicy Asian dishes. Always Excellent! RRP: $35.00 – https://mishasvineyard.com/
Misha’s Vineyard ‘The Starlet’ Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Central Otago
Glossy pale straw coloured with green -gold hues. The nose is fragrant & vibrant with ripe tropical fruit & zesty citrus aromas, a savoury herbaceous note follows. On the palate, it’s juicy & concentrated, passion-fruit & lemon citrus fruit flavours, a crisp lime-zest acidity & wet-stone mineral, along with subtle oak add texture & complexity. There’s a hint of residual sweetness rounding out the long, juicy finish. RRP: $33.00 -https://mishasvineyard.com/
Luna Estate ‘Eclipse’ Chardonnay 2023, Martinborough
Bright yellow-gold in colour with a hint of green. In the nose it’s flinty & savoury, then aromas of ripe peaches & citrus, nutty, buttered toast notes follow. On the palate it’s mid-weighted with juicy stone-fruit & citrus flavours, the crisp grape-fruity acidity is softened with subtle creamy malo influence & textured with some nicely integrated fine oak. The finish is long & juicy with a wee salty / mineral note. RRP: $45.00 – https://www.lunaestate.co.nz/
‘The Herd’ is a collaborative Pinot Noir project inspired by shared curiosity and an ongoing quest for true expression of terroir. Three Marlborough winemakers, one vineyard, and an open invitation to explore how instinct shapes Pinot Noir.
Find out more at – https://theherdproject.co.nz/
Sorrell ‘The Herd’ Pinot Noir 2023
Shiny and translucent, ruby to cherry-red in colour, lighter at the rim. In the nose it’s enticing & varietal with aromas of ripe dark plums, cherries & dark berries, floral & dried herb notes & subtle oak. Medium bodied on the palate, sweet plum, berry & cherry fruit flavours reflect the nose, nicely balanced & integrated with fine powdery tannins, a lightly grippy acidity & layers of barrel spice & textural complexity. Concentrated persistent & moreish finish. Excellent. $60.00
The Marlborist ‘The Herd’ Pinot Noir 2023
Bright transparent, mid ruby to raspberry red in colour. A fragrant nose with aromas of boysenberries, raspberries, cherries, savoury earth, dried herb & subtle oak spice. On the palate, medium bodied, luscious ripe red & dark summer fruit flavours, supported by nicely integrated velvety-smooth tannins & acidity, layers of texture from 24 months ageing in a mix of French oak, adding depth & complexity. A long, dry, slightly savoury finish. Excellent. RRP: $60.00
Auntsfield ‘The Herd’ Pinot Noir, 2023
A glossy, translucent deep ruby-red in colour. In the nose, inviting aromas of dark fruit, ripe plums, cherries, blackberries, dried herb, cocoa, toasted nuts & spice. On the palate medium bodied, concentrated flavours of slightly sweet, dark & red fruit reflecting the nose, refreshing acidity, nicely textured with silky tannins & subtle oak influence, providing complexity & depth. Long persistent dry finish. Excellent! RRP: $60.00
Barlovska Feijoa Liqueur
Deep golden coloured, oily viscosity / legs. Very fruity & port-like in the nose, a hint of feijoa once opened up a bit. Concentrated fruit, smooth palate, 31% alcohol adding heat & length. I tasted again with a wee splash of lemonade which helped soften the heat & add a citrus twist. https://www.barlovska.nz/
Barlovska Blackberry Liqueur
Dark ruby – slightly brick red in colour, oily viscosity. Quite intense aromas of black berry & vanilla on the nose. Rich & creamy, sherry-style palate, luscious dark berry & vanilla flavours. Only 22% alcohol so not too hot. Really tasty & fruity – no mixer needed. https://www.barlovska.nz/
Barlovska Spiced Honey Liqueur
Deep golden-syrup coloured, lovely oily viscosity. Enticing sweet aromas of butterscotch, cinnamon & honeycomb in the nose. Creamy, silky palate, initial warmth from 31% alcohol, then dark honey & malt & Asian spice notes arrive. Long opulent finish. Delicious! https://www.barlovska.nz/
Barlovska Pure Vodka
Bright & clear in colour. In the nose, just a clean alcohol aroma. On the palate crisp & very smooth – a good alcohol bite at the end. Tried with a little orange Juice added – makes a nice Screwdriver. RRP: $40.00 – https://www.barlovska.nz/
Barlovska Feijoa Vodka
Bright clear pale straw-gold in colour. Subtle feijoa notes in the nose, a hint on the palate, not too overpowering. Smooth, tasty & warming finish. Would go well with ginger ale / ginger beer. (didn’t have any unfortunately) RRP: $40.00 – https://www.barlovska.nz/
Barlovska Blackberry Vodka
Clear, pale copper / pink in colour. Dark berry aromas in the nose subtle & understated, nice berry flavours on the palate, smooth, tasty, a long warm finish. A splash of Soda perhaps? RRP: $40.00 – https://www.barlovska.nz/
Loveblock TEE Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough
Clear light straw-gold in colour with a subtle green hue. In the nose, inviting aromas of fresh citrus, sweet tangelos, green apples, ripe peaches & a savoury, green herb note. On the palate it’s succulent & juicy with yellow-flesh nectarine, tropical pineapple & passion-fruit flavours, a zesty citrus acidity then savoury & wet stone textures all adding texture & complexity. The finish is concentrated, long & juicy. Excellent. RRP: $29.00 – https://loveblockwine.com/