Lots of sparkling wines and roses arriving at Winorama HQ of late which must mean that summer is just around the corner. Of course, looking at a calender is probably a surer sign, but this is far more pleasant. Very pale colour. Aromas of lemon biscuit, licorice, yeast and acacia. ...

Craggy Range ‘Fletcher Family Vineyard’ Riesling 2004 Marlborough This is a wonderful example of what Marlborough can do with Riesling and if I could have my way I would rip out 90% of the Sauvignon Blanc (Dog Point’s Section 94 can stay) and Pinot Noir in the region and plant this most nobly Germanic grape. It is a silky, rich, not quite bone-dry Riesling that can definitely hold its own...

Craggy Range ‘Fletcher Family Vineyard’ Riesling 2004 Marlborough This is a wonderful example of what Marlborough can do with Riesling and if I could have my way I would rip out 90% of the Sauvignon Blanc (Dog Point’s Section 94 can stay) and Pinot Noir in the region and plant this most nobly Germanic grape. It is a silky, rich, not quite bone-dry Riesling that can definitely hold its own...

Craggy Range ‘Fletcher Family Vineyard’ Riesling 2004 Marlborough This is a wonderful example of what Marlborough can do with Riesling and if I could have my way I would rip out 90% of the Sauvignon Blanc (Dog Point’s Section 94 can stay) and Pinot Noir in the region and plant this most nobly Germanic grape. It is a silky, rich, not quite bone-dry Riesling that can definitely hold its own...

After three days R & R up at Lennox Head and some very sore shoulders after training with a Dragon Boat crew on Lake Ainsworth it is time to get back into the tasting notes with this Marlborough Pinot Noir from Montana. It smells of herbal red and dark fruits….red cherry, and red currant predominatly...

Another sauvignon blanc from Marlborough and obviously 2006 looks like being a strong year. I tasted this alongside the Montana of the same vintage and it was neck and neck. Both excellent. Both same same but different! Pungent aromas of pineapple, lychee, juicy fruit chewing gum, capsicum and a little sniff of the old kitty litter. On the palate plenty of punchy tropical fruit, grass and spice...

... yourself with this Marlborough stalwart...

‘Tis the time of the year for the release of the new seasons Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs, just in the nick of time as the weather starts to warm up and just sticking my nose in the glass makes me get all teary….sniff….it smells like home…..no and its not cats pee ...

I have had a fair few vintages of the standard Montana pinot over the years and reckon that this is one of the better ones. Some years are a little tough and green but this one is pretty good. Contrary to opinion of many I think that Marlborough does a good line in pinot - often better than some of the more glamorous NZ regions. This is light red in colour and smells fresh and sappy with red...

Villa Maria “R & D” (Research and Development) Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Marlborough Bottle 308 of 840 This is a wine I have been dying to try since I first heard of its existence at a tasting at Regional Wines earlier in the year. It would have happened earlier except I simply could ... and is reminiscent of Marlborough Chenin Blanc (the '01 Forrest Estate to be exact) rather than...