Georges Road Block Three Riesling 2021

 

A minerally driven off-dry Riesling with eight grams of residual sugar, find a spicy Asian inspired dish to take you to your happy place.

Black Estate Damsteep Pinot Noir 2020

 

Another fascinating Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Waipara region, this Black Estate Damsteep is expressive and layered.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2020

 

Moreish and delicious in equal doses, the delicacy and generosity of these Pegasus Bay Pinots are captivating.

Pegasus Bay Chardonnay 2019

 

Like your Chardonnays generous? Here is your weapon! There is so much to grab onto here. Handfuls of interest beckon for your attention. 

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

Classy and considered, this is a superb Sauvignon Blanc. Yet to be released in Australia and New Zealand, what a treat it is to have a sneak peek at wines like these. 

Greystone Organic Chardonnay 2020

 

Another wonderful Chardonnay from New Zealand's Waipara region.

The Boneline Sharkstone Chardonnay 2020

 

This is all about blue skies and whispy white cloud days. Such a delicious and classy Chardonnay, this will evaporate slowly over the afternoon among friends. Just brilliant!

Mount Brown Estates Grand Reserve Pinot Gris 2020

 

What a beauty this is. From the base of Mount Brown in New Zealand's Waipara region comes this detailed Pinot Gris. 

Georges Road Southbank Pinot Noir 2020

 

Expressive and alluring, this Waipara Pinot from a small producer Georges Road oozes charisma and class in plentiful doses.  

Greystone Wines Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir 2020

Bringing the winery to the vineyard in unison, this Waipara Pinot Noir was crushed and fermented in the vineyard delivering an impressive expression of Pinot Noir.

The French word “terroir” is often used in wine conversations but the Kiwis have a Maori term “Turangawaewae” which is translated to “a place to stand” empowering connection to the land. That's precisely what has taken place here.

Black Estate Home Pinot Noir 2020

 

A wonderfully complex Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Black Estate. From Waipara which can be found less than an hour north of Christchurch, the brand was established in 1994.

Scout Waipara Pinot Noir 2020

 

I traveled to Waipara in February 2020 and fell in love with the place. Less than an hour from Christchurch airport, we found a cozy place to stay at Georges Road winery. The Wine Pod is brilliant. Go there with your loved one.

What struck me about Waipara is the finesse of the wines. Pinot rages on in this district (like most in New Zealand), but Waipara Pinot is different. It really speaks to me. There is some depth yet it possesses a salivating medium-bodied appeal. The fruit isn't overly dense yet has some carry. There is some vitality about the wine too, not to mention the soils that hum along in the background. This Pinot Noir from Scout is a ripper.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2017

 

From the North Canterbury region's first winery, this Pinot is a beauty. Most Pinots from the Waipara district are a little leaner and juicier but Pegasus Bay has been able to demonstrate some power with a graceful touch.

Norwester by Greystone Pinot Noir 2016

Off the retail shelves, this 2016 is still about despite the 2017 being the current release. A good wine to tuck into for those who like a Pinot that's not too sophisticated but has some depth.

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2015

Having spent a few days in New Zealand's Waipara district a few months ago, my love for Pinot from this region was rekindled. This second tier label release from Pegasus Bay is a beauty!

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2016

Take a bow. An excellent Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Waipara region.

Pegasus Bay Vergence Red 2017

Pegasus Bay's General Manager Paul Donaldson, the youngest of the family, was kind enough to walk me through their range of wines on a recent trip to New Zealand. Vergence, he tells me, is when the pupils of the eyes look outwards in opposite directions before focusing. I'm still trying to nail that one. Here's a 100% whole bunch, carbonic and naturally fermented Pinot Noir.

Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2016

Such a fabulous Chardonnay from New Zealand's Wairapa region. There's great depth and drive here yet it feels unforced.

Pegasus Bay Estate Malbec 2017

I wasn't expecting to come across a Malbec when in the Waipara district, and here we are. A pretty handy wine this is too.

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2016

Damn I enjoyed this. An expressive and inviting Pinot Noir. I even grabbed one for the road.