Te Koko is on a steep trajectory of ascent, finer, more harmonious and more expressive than ever, yet it’s the tiny details that have made the difference. The core of its personality remains untouched, but, in the words of maker Nick Lane, it’s been pared back in palate gregariousness. He says taking it from ten […]

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Pinot noir has found a new lease on life at Cloudy Bay. Maker Nick Lane reckons not one of the 2002 pinot batches he tasted on his second day here would make it into the blend today. It’s a new world now, with new vineyards, new clones, older vines, a little whole bunch (less than […]

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Capturing restraint and deep wells of mineral texture in the midst of Margaret River intensity takes consummate skill, and Voyager has nailed it in this wine like never before. The more elegant Clone 95 is the ingredient, producing delightfully honed and focused white peach, grapefruit pulp and lemon zest flavours, with a restraint and delicate […]

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There is an impeccably defined focus to this wine that not only looks more restrained than many from this vintage, but it also appears exceptionally youthful as one of Margaret River’s later released flagships. A brilliant bouquet of crunchy blackcurrants, graphite, tobacco and cedar introduces an impeccably and confidently structured palate, scaffolded around a rigid […]

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A newcomer of greatness has arrived in Central Otago, capturing the generosity of 2010 within the controlled, honed and age-worthy style that defines Cloudy Bay. The estate’s first foray outside Marlborough is a resounding success, and this small production wine from well established vineyards will confidently hold its own among Central Otago’s top ten estates. […]

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There’s a new buzzword in the Barossa. Once upon a time, the regional identity of a wine was simply “Barossa.” Now winemakers are honing in on “subregionality”. It’s a sign of coming of age for a region to celebrate the subtle uniqueness of each of its zones.

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I’ve never seen a vintage quite like 2008 in the Barossa. There have been plenty of dismal vintages and the occasional triumph, but never one that has shown both extremes in the same season quite like this.

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Great value sauvignon from one of South Australia’s most exacting makers. Cut grass and lime are the themes of this clean, zesty style. It’s well balanced and finishes bone dry, with impressive fruit persistence for this price. If you’re on the prowl for a house sauvignon, this is your wine. $14 at 1st Choice

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Kiwi pinot, ready to party tonight! Enticingly fruit focused, consummately approachable and silky-structured, this is New Zealand’s best bargain pinot right now. A pretty, fragrant expression of violets, red cherries, pink pepper and blackberries lingers long into the finish, with gentle support provided by finely structured, silky tannins. $21 at Prince.

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A classic and graceful Marlborough pinot of expressive strawberry and red cherry fruits and mixed spice, framed in supple, fine tannins and refreshing acidity, persevering long and even through a tart finish. $30 at Cracka.

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