Marlborough, Bordeaux
When most people think of New Zealand wine, the first thing that comes to mind will be Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This one variety more than any other helped springboard New Zealand on to the world-wine scene.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Bordeaux produces some of the most highly sought after and revered wines in the world. Located close to the coast, in the south-west of France the town and is divided by the Gironde River. Wines to the west of the river are referred to as left bank, and are Cabernet dominant. To the East of the river, on the right bank Merlot is the dominant grape variety. Throughout the 57 appellations, over 10,000 wine-making châteaux grow the red grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. These are commonly blended and collectively referred to as clarets. Smaller amounts of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in Bordeaux.
In 1855, due to the high export demands of Bordeaux wines, Emporer Napoleon III requested an official Bordeaux classification system, based on market costs of the wines at the time. The Chateaux were classified into five ‘growths’ from first growth to fifth growth and cru Bourgois. Also in 1855 The Sauternes and Barsac classification covered the sweeter wines, with Chateau d’Yquem the only Superior First Growth, followed by Premiers Crus and Deux Deuxièmes Crus.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Bordeaux produces some of the most highly sought after and revered wines in the world. Located close to the coast, in the south-west of France the town and is divided by the Gironde River. Wines to the west of the river are referred to as left bank, and are Cabernet dominant. To the East of the river, on the right bank Merlot is the dominant grape variety. Throughout the 57 appellations, over 10,000 wine-making châteaux grow the red grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. These are commonly blended and collectively referred to as clarets. Smaller amounts of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in Bordeaux.
In 1855, due to the high export demands of Bordeaux wines, Emporer Napoleon III requested an official Bordeaux classification system, based on market costs of the wines at the time. The Chateaux were classified into five ‘growths’ from first growth to fifth growth and cru Bourgois. Also in 1855 The Sauternes and Barsac classification covered the sweeter wines, with Chateau d’Yquem the only Superior First Growth, followed by Premiers Crus and Deux Deuxièmes Crus.
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Spinning Top Wines reflect the simple pleasures that can be derived from nature. Sourcing the wines from three distinctive Marlborough sub regions (Waihopai, Wairau, Awatere) allows Spinning Top to pinpoint exactly the precise characteristics they wish to reflect. Clean, joyful ... Learn MoreSpinning Top Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$14.99 Per item -
Grapes for this wine were grown in the Ngatapa Valley region of Gisborne district where dry-farming practices have been employed for over 75 years. Post-harvest the grapes and juice were processed with care to maximise fruit flavour and intensity. The resulting ... Learn MoreKopu Gisbourne Pinot Gris 2021$19.99 Per item -
Grapes for this wine were grown in the Ngatapa Valley region of Gisborne district where dry-farming practices have been employed for over 75 years. Post-harvest the grapes and juice were processed with care to maximise fruit flavour and intensity. The resulting ... Learn MoreKopu Gisbourne Pinot Gris 2020$19.99 Per item -
This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly grown grass given complexity by river-stone and white ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021$20.99 Per item -
Always up there as the finest 2 or 3 Sauvignons in Marlborough every year, Greywacke emphasise ripeness in the vineyard to produce a sophisticated and satisfying style of Sauvignon Blanc. Crafted by former Cloudy Bay founding winemaker Kevin Judd, with able assistance ... Learn MoreGreywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2021$24.99 Per item -
Considered to be one of New Zealand's finest producers, Astrolabe have built their reputation on consistently producing exceptional wines. One of my favourite Astrolabe wines is the 2019 Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It’s quite a ripe example of the ... Learn MoreAstrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2020$26.00 Per item -
Lifted aromas of nashi pear, raspberry, red apple and white florals. The nose follows through to the palate with the same flavours along with savoury undertones which are balanced by fine, supple texture and lingering minerality. Enjoyable to drink now ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Pinot Gris 2020$26.99 Per item -
Shows distinctive Awatere characters of elderflower, guava, white currant, lemongrass and passion fruit coupled with lovely ripe tropicals and hints of basil and lime from Wairau components. The nose follows through to the palate - which is fine and soft ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc 2020$26.99 Per item -
Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of pure citrus flavours leaving a lengthy finish with refreshing, balanced acidity. Ideally enjoyed as a young wine, ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2020$26.99 Per item -
Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2020$26.99 Per item -
Located in Haut-Medoc, Chateau Larrivaux is a wine estate founded in the 16th century. Established on land where nothing existed before, the mansion and vineyard were erected against all odds. The peculiarity of this estate is that it has been ... Learn MoreChateau Larrivaux 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$29.40 Per item -
Has the aromatic spice and weight of Gewurztraminer, the structure and length of Riesling, and the great texture of Pinot Gris in a perfectly balanced 75%/16%/9% blend. It is a delicious, co-fermented field blend from a single vineyard. This 2021 Toru has ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Single Vineyard 5182 Toru 2021$29.99 Per item -
2021 was one of the best vintages in the Wairau Valley in recent years and this wine truly reflects that. Vibrant, fresh lemon and grapefruit, ripe stone and tropical fruits and a floral element on the nose. Highly aromatic, as is ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2021$29.99 Per item -
A rather hedonistic nose suggests ripe pears, fresh peach and oatmeal while the palate is taught and chalky with nectarine, pear and iodine notes and a driven freshness. Unmistakably Marlborough for its cleansing hit of salty goodness, this is harmonious, ... Learn MoreCorafin 'Meltwater' Marlborough Chardonnay 2019$29.99 Per item -
Purple colour. Intense and clean nose, dominated by black cherry notes, candied black fruit with floral nuances, rose and violet. A rich and lively attack on the palate with very silky tannins, sweet and savoury. Lingering and fresh finish showing ... Learn MoreChateau Lanessan 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$34.00 Per item -
Founded in 1570 by the Picoron family, Château Picoron has a long history of wine. Now days, Château Picoron is operated by an Australian family. What we produce is as much a celebration of the history of our winery, ... Learn MoreChateau Petit Picoron Bordeaux 2016$34.99 Per item -
A deliciously succulent and rich Riesling from experts in classic Marlborough varietals. Grown organically near the mouth of Brancott Valley, this vibrant and not strictly dry Riesling was grown on the kind of gravel and clay soils that are usually ... Learn MoreGreywacke Riesling 2019$35.00 Per item -
Section 94 is one of the world’s most distinct wines, and regularly named New Zealand’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc. Bright straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, lighter on edge. The bouquet is firmly concentrated with deep aromas of greengages, nectarines ... Learn MoreDog Point 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2015$35.00 Per item -
Intense and quite weighty sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, lime zest, gooseberry, red and green capsicum and subtle oyster-shell flavours, supported by deliciously tangy acidity that drives a lengthy finish. - Bob Campbell Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021$36.99 Per item -
Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. The famed Marlborough producer's sparkling. It's one of the best consistently from over the ditch and has genuine French-like class. Sourcing Non-Vintage sparkling wine ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling Nv$37.99 Per item -
From the team of Denis Durantou, the 2018 Saintayme (100% Merlot brought up in 30% new oak) is a total charmer that savvy readers should snatch up. Offering full-bodied notes of black raspberries, kirsch, and spice box, it has silky tannins, a terrific ... Learn MoreChateau Saintayme 2018$38.85 Per item -
Deep purple-black in colour, the nose is more open at the core of the wine than the Le Petit Cheval, strutting out of the glass with bold, ripe black cherries, cassis, warm plums and raspberry preserves notes. With coaxing, a ... Learn MoreChateau Belle-Vue 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$39.00 Per item -
a well made Francs Côtes de Bordeaux that belongs to the Chadronnier family, owners of Bordeaux merchant CVBG. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate ... Learn MoreChateau Marsau Francs - Cotes du Bordeaux 2016$40.00 Per item -
Château Citran is one of the oldest properties in the Médoc. In 1996, the Merlaut family took over the reins of the estate. This property produces elegant Haut-Médoc wines that combine tradition and modernity. Fresh and fruity, the ... Learn MoreChateau Citran 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$42.00 Per item -
Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2019$44.99 Per item -
Chateau Fonbel has a long, ancient history that dates all the way back to the times when the ancient Romans were active in St. Emilion cultivating grapes for wine. However, the modern era for Chateau Fonbel starts in 1971, when Alain ... Learn More -
This 13-hectare vineyard is situated northwest of the town of Saint-Émilion. The vines are an average of 30 years old and are planted to a mix of sand and clay-based soils. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Corbin opens with seductive ... Learn More -
The wines are aged in an average of 20% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months before bottling. Chateau Ferrande can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 hour. This allows the wine ... Learn MoreChateau Ferrande Graves Bordeaux 2018$50.00 Per item -
The 33 hectare Medoc vineyard of Chateau Capbern is planted to 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. This shows a marked change in the vineyard, with more Merlot planted here. The terroir is a mix of gravel, clay and chalky soils. ... Learn MoreChateau Capbern 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$50.00 Per item -
Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Fontenil struts out of the glass with confident black plum preserves, black cherries and mulberries scents plus suggestions of underbrush, Indian spices, violets and mossy bark. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited, it has a solid, ... Learn More -
Two-thirds merlot, one-third cabernets and 16 months barrel-ageing, 65% new. This is a powerful wine with lots of character. A complex nose of ripe plum, blackberries, wood spice and tobacco. On the palate, a subtle herbaceous note, liquorice and chocolate and lots ... Learn MoreChateau Laroze 2021 (En Primeur - arrival 2024)$52.00 Per item -
A beautiful wine that shines on all accounts, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc from a cooler, limestone terroir in the Castillon region of Bordeaux. Aged in 50% new oak (15% in amphora), it ... Learn MoreChateau Joanin Bécot 2018(Ex Chateau)$53.13 Per item -
Savory aromas of black olive, dried mushroom, iodine and earth, as well as wild blackberry and clove. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins and fresh acidity. Bitter berry notes on the finish. Hint of jam, but turns firm. - ... Learn More -
The 2018 Haut-Brisson comes from Vignonet and Monbousquet in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, from the lieu-dit Laroque. It is blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. It is aging in 35% new, 35% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels for an anticipated 18 months. It has ... Learn MoreChateau Haut Brisson 2018 (Ex Chateau)$56.00 Per item -
The entry-level white from Domaine de Chevalier, the 2018 L'Esprit De Chevalier is smoking good, and at some point, could make you wonder about the rationale for spending the extra money for the top wine. Ripe lemon, citrus, sliced pineapple, and ... Learn More -
The 2018 Château Lespault-Martillac is terrific, and despite having gravellier, draining soils, the Graves region turned out plenty of beautiful wines in the vintage. This deeply colored effort offers medium to full-bodied richness and notable elegance to go with classic ... Learn More -
Merlot 54%, Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 4% This is a super effort from the Lynch-Bages team this year. The drought has given concentration, but not at the expense of delicacy. That is evident at first from the colour, which is ... Learn More -
A ripe tropical and citrus bouquet, with underlying flinty minerality. In the mouth the wine is textural and rich from the lees aging with layers of minerals, lime, orange blossom and profound acidity balancing this dry, elegant wine. Ageing potential: 5 ... Learn MoreClos Henri Sauvignon Blanc 2018$59.99 Per item -
The 2018 Les Cruzelles comes from gravelly-clayey soil, the Merlot picked September 18-25 and the Cabernet Franc on September 28, and is raised in 40% new oak. It has a more opulent, higher-toned bouquet compared to the La Chenade, offering expressive blueberry and ... Learn More -
The 2018 Château Potensac sports a saturated purple color as well as a Cabernet-dominated nose of blackcurrants, cassis, tobacco, and earth. This beauty is full-bodied and concentrated, with notable freshness balancing terrific ripeness. It’s going to evolve nicely for ... Learn More
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