Auckland, North Island

Kumeu River

Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2014

Exceptional wine and so classically elegant (not using the B word) except that its hiding an extra point of alcohol (14%) behind an unassuming pale hay glow that looks light and lean. I love the bait and switch.

The delicate sprinkled spices of lemon curd and vanilla and toasted coconut shaving juxtapose the power in the palette - weight and viscosity and length to go the distance.

10 years in, in a perfect spot.
— 21 days ago

Severn, Tom and 8 others liked this

Bedell Cellars

North Fork Cabernet Franc 2021

Better than I expected, though I haven’t had much north fork cab franc. Quite seamless with some dark red berry and cherry. Finish is maybe a smidge thin but still a nice wine. — 2 months ago

Ira, Bob and 1 other liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Pooneet K FWIW I found CF the best varietal to drink from LI.

Kumeu River

Coddington Chardonnay 2020

Jan A
9.4

Burgundy from New Zealand but then for a fraction of the price. It has lemon/citrus fruits, stones, good acity and a nice round moutfeel. This acted as a cellar defender for my Mate's vineyard cuvee's of '18, '20 and'22 that I have laying down but I've been told that these benefit from a bit more age. — a month ago

Roman, Bob and 12 others liked this

Rod Easthope

Reserve Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Really subtle, very nice. Dangerously drinkable — 15 days ago

Kumeu River

Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Mates Vineyard is considered the best of the Kumeu River Chardonnay Cuvées but to be honest they are all delicious. This has such stone fruit intensity on the palate together with ripe grapefruit and Cashew. All in balance and drinking superbly. An outstanding new world Chardonnay. A few years left in its drinking window. It will always have that superb fruit and will develop a little more complexity - have the last 2019 in a year or two. — 2 months ago

David, Shay and 22 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Ira Schwartz Not overly, a bit of funk there, but the palate intensity was such that perhaps it could stand a decant?
Bryan Kesting

Bryan Kesting Premium Badge

I agree. These are great wines.

Ata Rangi

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014

Nose of ripe red fruits plus black plum. Obvious whole bunch influence. Fruit influence has diminished a little since previous tasting but there was some fruit sweetness when tasting at the end of the.palate and the bottle. Kiwi expert Bob Campbell MW was very impressed and said “the best Ata Rangi I’ve tasted “ when he tasted it in June 2016. — 22 days ago

David, Anthony and 15 others liked this

Te Mata Estate

Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir 2023

 Incredibly light, almost see-through clear, went perfectly with the slow roasted leg of lamb. We had along with its black garlic and mushroom sauce. Perfect example of drink wine, and eat food from the same location they came from.  — a month ago

Denise Espinoza
with Denise
Tom and Deborah liked this

Craggy Range

Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Lots of tropical fruit along with grapefruit. Delicious with food - reminded me of when I visited the winery nearly 20 years ago. — 2 months ago

Craggy Range

Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Merlot Blend

Mon M
8.9

Cattail creek wine dinner. Characteristics of pencil lead, tobacco, black cherry, and liquorish. The palate has a lifted acidity and spicy tannins but don't obscure the fruit expression. Paired with petite ribeye en persillade. — 4 months ago