Winemaking is still fairly new to New Zealand. Yet after only a couple decades, Kiwi winemakers are already producing wines that are consistently lauded by international experts. In 2002, American wine guru Robert Parker declared a Felton Road 1997 Pinot Noir as one of the top 3 wines in a blind tasting of Burgundy reds. (And this from a man who has been a vocal critic of New Zealand wines…) In April 2003, Wine Spectator rated central Otago as one of the top 5 most exciting New World wine regions. And now the up-and-coming Hawke’s Bay Shiraz is rivaling even the best Australian Shirazes. So what on earth is going on here? Otago is one of the four major wine-producing areas in the country (along with the Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland regions). Many experts attribute the oenological successes of Otago wines to the extreme temperatures experienced by the region. (Strangely, they argue that the frigid winters and blistering summers are actually beneficial to winemaking…)

Select at least one filter to refine your wine search Latest Wine Tasting ResultsNew Zealand is a fascinating place for all kinds of reasons, but wine is the defining factor that brings in tourists from across the globe. As a people, Kiwis are ambitious and self-effacing. This handy combination defines their winemakers to a tee. Though 85% of their wine production revolves around one single grape (sauvignon blanc) and though this grape gave New Zealand its global foothold, much of it is lackluster juice. best place to buy wine cellarPinot noir, rather, will cement the region’s place among the world’s great winemaking countries, and as you’ll see in this list, it’s what excites me the most.best italian wine 2015 New Zealand’s pinot noir wines are coming of age right now. best italian wine book

Winemakers have refined their techniques, and new ideas are starting to build with convincing groundswell. Vine age is their ultimate trump card, and this is just kicking in at a critical mass. In fact, vine age is adding to the quality across many wine styles, and producers who’ve been in the game longer and stuck at it are reaping the rewards. This means that pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, cabernet and merlot-based reds, riesling and even sauvignon blanc are all reaching greater heights of quality than previously seen.best masters in wine The Top 10 wines this year are dominated by pinot noir, and the pick of them is the 2013 Bell Hill Pinot Noir from Waikari, my New Zealand Wine of the Year for 2016. best quotes for wineA layered, concentrated and profound expression from Sherwyn Veldhuizen and Marcel Giesen’s tiny close-planted vineyard has so much to say. best wine sale sites

Coming in at No. 2 is a rare New Zealand syrah that reaches the very pinnacle of quality. The 2014 Trinity Hill Homage is an essay in complex, cooler-climate syrah with seamless structure and deeply compelling character. It has a bright future for those that get some in the cellar. In fact, all of these wines, and the wines of New Zealand, have a bright future. They are defined by exceptional quality and consistency, and in the coming years, New Zealand’s best producers are only going to get better. —Nick Stock, Contributing EditorShow All Tasting Notes 1Bell Hill Pinot Noir Waikari 2Trinity Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay Homage 3Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago Block 3 4Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough 5Escarpment Pinot Noir Martinborough Pahi 6Escarpment Pinot Noir Martinborough Kupe 7Rippon Pinot Noir Central Otago Mature Vine 8Two Paddocks Pinot Noir Central Otago 9Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago Bannockburn Rippon Gewürztraminer Central Otago

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