Central Otago, Hawkes Bay
Central Otago is the southernmost wine growing region in the world, located at a latitude of 45 degrees south, on New Zealand’s south island. A spectacular landscape makes the region one of the most scenic wine regions if not in the world then certainly in New Zealand. Central to the region is the tourist destination of Queenstown, which is a great base to make wine trips from.
Heavy mineral deposits in silt loams are typical for the soils in Central Otago, but is unlike any other region in New Zealand. The Otago region is the countries only ‘continental’ wine growing region.
Pinot Noir is the flagship red varietal, which is very well suited to the regions large diurnal shifts (a large diurnal shift means a big difference between low and high temperatures) and also the regions long, cool and dry autumn. The Pinot Noirs coming out of the Otago region are most often fragrant, lush Pinot Noirs with silky textures and true fruit intensity.
Aromatic whites also thrive, in particular Riesling where anything from bone-dry to very sweet can be made. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and lesser amounts of Chardonnay is also made to a very high quality. Central Otago is in Jancis Robinson’s top five New World wine producing regions.
New Zealand’s second largest wine region (behind Marlborough), Hawkes Bay is on the east coast of the north island, to the south of Gisborne, and is New Zealand’s leading wine and food tourism destination. Many of the finest wines come out of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
A temperate climate with lots of sun is suited to superb Chardonnays in the whites and also later ripening red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux varietals) and Syrah.
A very special sub region in the Hawkes Bay region is the Gimblett Gravels. This sub region was thought to be not even good enough to graze sheep on, but in 1981 was planted under vine and now represents some of the world’s finest full bodied red wines. The unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels comes from the old Ngaruroro River which until flowed through what is now known as the Gimblett Gravels, dumping gravel and heavy sands. The earthquake of 1931 changed the course of the river, leaving bare 800 hectares of prime new world terroir. Being 15km inland it doesn’t get the cooling sea breezes, so the region can get much hotter than the rest of Hawkes Bay.
Heavy mineral deposits in silt loams are typical for the soils in Central Otago, but is unlike any other region in New Zealand. The Otago region is the countries only ‘continental’ wine growing region.
Pinot Noir is the flagship red varietal, which is very well suited to the regions large diurnal shifts (a large diurnal shift means a big difference between low and high temperatures) and also the regions long, cool and dry autumn. The Pinot Noirs coming out of the Otago region are most often fragrant, lush Pinot Noirs with silky textures and true fruit intensity.
Aromatic whites also thrive, in particular Riesling where anything from bone-dry to very sweet can be made. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and lesser amounts of Chardonnay is also made to a very high quality. Central Otago is in Jancis Robinson’s top five New World wine producing regions.
New Zealand’s second largest wine region (behind Marlborough), Hawkes Bay is on the east coast of the north island, to the south of Gisborne, and is New Zealand’s leading wine and food tourism destination. Many of the finest wines come out of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
A temperate climate with lots of sun is suited to superb Chardonnays in the whites and also later ripening red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux varietals) and Syrah.
A very special sub region in the Hawkes Bay region is the Gimblett Gravels. This sub region was thought to be not even good enough to graze sheep on, but in 1981 was planted under vine and now represents some of the world’s finest full bodied red wines. The unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels comes from the old Ngaruroro River which until flowed through what is now known as the Gimblett Gravels, dumping gravel and heavy sands. The earthquake of 1931 changed the course of the river, leaving bare 800 hectares of prime new world terroir. Being 15km inland it doesn’t get the cooling sea breezes, so the region can get much hotter than the rest of Hawkes Bay.
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Giesen's Estate Chardonnay is wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Hawke’s Bay vineyard, producing a Chardonnay with good fruit intensity and a touch of complexity through lees ... Learn MoreGiesen Chardonnay 2018$10.00 Per item -
A vibrant Chardonnay from the Hawke's Bay wine region, a region that consistently produces leading examples of Chardonnay. A fresh and vibrant Chardonnay with beautiful ripe peach and nectarine flavours, a luscious texture with a spicy cedar finish. ... Learn MoreGiesen Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Kindred Spirits Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir is sourced from the maritime Te Awanga sub-region of Hawkes Bay from a 12 year old vineyard. A lifted and expressive nose with an array of red cherry, wild forest and almost gamey aromas. ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Pinot Noir 2014$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Utterly delicious. A wine bursting with crushed red-berry characters. Candy-apple crimson with a lifted confectionery nose of wild strawberries. Shows ripe, juicy cherry and cranberry on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and liquorice. As picnic-perfect as berries ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2021$21.99 Per item -
Utterly delicious. A wine bursting with crushed red-berry characters. Candy-apple crimson with a lifted confectionery nose of wild strawberries. Shows ripe, juicy cherry and cranberry on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and liquorice. As picnic-perfect as berries ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2020$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Utterly delicious. A wine bursting with crushed red-berry characters. Candy-apple crimson with a lifted confectionery nose of wild strawberries. Shows ripe, juicy cherry and cranberry on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and liquorice. As picnic-perfect as berries ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2019$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2020$24.99 Per item -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and sourced from Rockburn’s Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Gris takes the willing down into the realm of decadence and ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Gris 2020$26.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2019$26.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Floral and pear aromas with fig and date dried fruits leading to nice nutty notes in the background. The fresh pear and floral flavours highlight a lively and textured mid palate, before a dry saline tone brings back the nutty ... Learn MoreChard Farm Pinot Gris 2019$28.00 Per item -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2020$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2019$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Well balanced and aged Reserve Pinot Noir from Central Otago ... Learn MoreAnthem Reserve Pinot Noir 2009$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The nose is dense and intriguing, with layered black and blue berry fruits, toasted spice, cola and an ethereal floral lift. The palate is velvety and plush up front, brimming with wild berry fruits, currants, lightly roasted coffee beans and ... Learn MoreNanny Goat Pinot Noir 2020$32.99 Per item -
The nose is dense and intriguing, with layered black and blue berry fruits, toasted spice, cola and an ethereal floral lift. The palate is velvety and plush up front, brimming with wild berry fruits, currants, lightly roasted coffee beans and ... Learn MoreNanny Goat Pinot Noir 2019$32.99 Per itemOut of stock -
66% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc. Vibrant deep garnet colour. Inviting aromas of cassis, ripe plum, rosemary, and cedar meld together. A lovely richness of fruit warms the palate with youthful finely textured dusty tannins carrying the wine long to a ... Learn More -
Far from a sold-out rarity, as is often the case with heavily awarded wines; RUA Pinot Noir is widely available in NZ and beloved by Kiwis who describe it as their ‘go to’ and ‘everyday’ wine. ... Learn MoreAkarua 'Rua' Pinot Noir 2017$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior ... Learn MoreWooing Tree Blondie 2020$36.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Exuding elegance & finesse. Pale yellow with a bouquet of green apple and hints of lime and brioche. On the palate, this is flirtatious and moreish. Enhanced by an invigorating cool, creamy acidity. Focused, cool and crisp with beautiful balance and ... Learn MoreQuartz Reef Methode Traditionelle Nv$36.00 Per item -
A complex & structured nod to the "old school" Chardonnay. A full, toasty nose, with generous amounts of yellow stone fruits, orange and a little struck match. Vibrant citrus, grapefruit, peach and nectarine flavours, with rich, leesy texture. Fresh acidity with ... Learn MoreAsh Ridge 'Premium' Chardonnay 2016$39.00 Per itemOut of stock -
This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior ... Learn MoreWooing Tree The Blondie 2019$39.00 Per itemOut of stock -
It gets the same meticulous treatment in the vineyard as our top Pinot Noir, and our yields are extremely low, creating a concentrated expression of our unique site. Averaging only 300 cases per vintage, our Dry Riesling is a rare find. ... Learn MoreProphet'S Rock Dry Riesling 2019$39.00 Per item -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2020 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2020$39.99 Per item -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2018 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pale lemon with flecks of lime-green, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc ’18 overflows with tropical fruit and rich, succulent acidity. Aromatic notes of fresh lime, gooseberry, lychee and pineapple, give way on the palate to juicy pear, ripe grapefruit, citrus blossom and ... Learn MoreTe Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2018$39.99 Per item -
Closed with a natural cork that will allow Awatea to continue to evolve in bottle and provide great enjoyment up to 10 years from harvest. Swirls around lush aromas of blackberry, blueberry and bay leaf. A sumptuous core of ripe, dark ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Awatea' Cabernet Merlot 2017$39.99 Per item -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2018 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A brilliant white-gold in the glass, Elston Chardonnay ’19 has the immediate aroma of fresh golden nectarines, passionfruit and grilled pineapple. Lush, ripe acid drives the wine's length and balance, bringing the mouthfeel from ripe sweet lemon and white peach, to ... Learn MoreTe Mata Elston Chardonnay 2019$40.00 Per item -
A wonderful expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir. A luscious and fruit focussed Pinot Noir with great flavour and lovely soft tannin. The grapes for this wine was grown in the Bendigo (43%), Pisa (29%), and Gibbston (28%) sub-regions of Central Otago. The ... Learn MorePeregrine Saddleback Pinot Noir 2018$40.00 Per item -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Pinot Noir 2019$41.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pungent, fruity pinot gris with ripe pear, quince and subtle honeysuckle flavours, with a drying backbone of fine tannins and vibrant acidity. - Bob Campbell Founded in 1999 by Paul Pujol, the two stunning vineyards that combine to make Prophet's Rock's ... Learn MoreProphet's Rock Pinot Gris 2019$41.99 Per item -
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to cultivate that grows best in cooler climates, hence the growing reputation for quality in the Central Otago region. Our terroir produces fruit that is intensely coloured and brimming with flavour. This fruit ... Learn MoreNevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2015$43.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe plum, raspberry and dark cherry flavours. Focused, fresh and soft-textured wine with an easy appeal. ... Learn MoreFreeland Wines Pinot Noir 2009$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Rippon Jeunesse Young Vine Riesling 2019 vintage is a stellar release; a kaleidoscope of flavours from lime to grapefruit, juicy and tart and sweet-sour all at once. So much length, great texture with an almost crunchy finish. Brilliant expression of ... Learn MoreRippon 'Jeunesse' Riesling 2019$44.99 Per item -
Amisfield's flagship wine, has bright, focused dark fruits classic to the Central Otago region with a botanic note and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is broad, complex and lush with dark chocolate characters and gripping tannins on the finish. ... Learn MoreAmisfield Pinot Noir 2019$45.00 Per item -
A warm & productive summer put plenty of flesh on this wine. The fruit is issued from Rippon’s mature vines, whose root hairs have invaded the schist rock below. Lurking towards the end of the first mouthful is substantial phenolic ... Learn MoreRippon Riesling Mature Vines 2018$50.00 Per item -
It's rare to find a Gewurztraminer with such poise and exotic beauty. This is subtle, delicate and balanced with pinpoint precision. With maturing vines and a truly favourable year for Gewurz, this wine speaks with real accuracy and pride of ... Learn MoreRippon Gewurztraminer 2019$50.00 Per item
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