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New Zealand

  • New Zealand Wines of the Year 2026

    New Zealand Wines of the Year 2026

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    Simon Judge

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    In late April 2026, I went to Susie and Peter’s New Zealand Wines of the Year tasting in London. For the uninitiated, Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW are a married, UK-based pair of Masters of Wine. They are well known as television and radio presenters, wine writers, event hosts, consultants and podcasters. For this showcase, they had preselected the producers, then spent time last November tasting hundreds of New Zealand wines in order to choose their Wines of the Year. The selection covered a broad range of varieties, regions and price points, with the aim of showcasing modern…

  • Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc White Edition

    Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc White Edition

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    Simon Judge

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    Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc White Edition is new and exclusive to Majestic, from one of Marlborough’s most awarded Sauvignon Blanc producers. The symbol on every Rapaura Springs label is a circle of rocks, representing the pure spring in the vineyard. The brand name and label are designed to express the estate’s connection to water flowing from the Southern Alps through underground aquifers into the Rapaura property. Having just tried the excellent Rapaura Springs ‘ROHE’ Sauvignon Blanc at the Majestic press tasting, I was curious to see how this one would compare. This one comes in at 13% ABV and is…

  • Rose & Rose Sauvignon Blanc

    Rose & Rose Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    I first came across this wine at a Majestic press tasting and thought it was one of the best bottles on show. I had to try it again to see what it was like outside a line-up of 120 wines, how it changed with temperature and whether it would still impress. It comes from Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. Back in 1978, the Rose family became the first to grow grapes in what is now known as the Golden Mile, after winning approval to plant in a region where it had previously not been permitted and where there had been strong opposition.…

  • Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2026

    Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2026

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    Simon Judge

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    This was the second ever joint New Zealand and Australia tasting, bringing together more than 1,000 wines from 240 producers. The line-up spanned 57 regions across Australia and New Zealand and covered 30 different grape varieties, offering a broad snapshot of what the two countries are doing right now. New “Sommelier Selections” feature tables added a useful shortcut through the ubiquity, showcasing wines nominated by working sommeliers. There was also a notable contingent of producers actively looking for a route into the UK, with 130 new wines poured by wineries seeking distribution. At the last tasting I went in search…

  • Escarpment Martinborough Noir

    Escarpment Martinborough Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine stood out at the Waitrose Spring Press Tasting, so it deserved a closer look. From New Zealand’s North Island, this wine comes from Escarpment Winery, located in Martinborough. The name itself, Escarpment, refers to a long, steep slope that borders a plateau, reflecting the distinctive landscape that shapes this corner of the region. A quick glance at customer reviews on Waitrose’s website reveals mixed reactions, though much of the criticism stems from the 2022 vintage, which reportedly turned out cloudy. What matters here, however, is the 2023 release, and that’s the one really worth seeking out. It sits…

  • Villa Maria Marlborough Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

    Villa Maria Marlborough Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    I tried this one as part of my awards25 series after the 2024 vintage achieved an IWC Gold with 95 points. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 growing season saw low rainfall and cooler weather which led to a reduced crop yield and consequently more concentrated flavours balanced by fresh acidity. Specific yeast strains were selected to bring out the aroma and three months on lees have given it an added textural dimension. There’s a classic tropical aroma upfront, but with something deeper, perhaps ripe pineapple. The flavour opens with passionfruit and kiwi, supported by a citrus undertone. The…

  • Heaphy Hill Riesling

    Heaphy Hill Riesling

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    Simon Judge

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    This is a distinctive white from Nelson, in the north-west of New Zealand’s South Island, a region known as Nelson Tasman. Made from 100% Riesling, this wine comes from one of New Zealand’s oldest vineyards, which is unirrigated and small in scale. The wine spent eight months resting on fine lees before bottling, adding depth and character. The 2023 vintage sits at 12.5% ABV. It has already drawn significant attention, earning a Gold Medal and 95 points at the 2024 International Wine Challenge. It was also a finalist in the People’s Choice 2025 Climate Friendly White category and scooped three…

  • Clocktower Pinot Noir

    Clocktower Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    This 2023 vintage comes from the Taylor River area of the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. It’s a single vineyard wine, who M&S say is made by local winemaker Matthew Large, which suggests a Wither Hills connection. However, the Clocktower reference is a mystery. The wine has been matured in French oak, bringing added complexity and a touch of savouriness. In the glass, it appears slightly browner than other 2023 Pinot Noirs I tasted alongside it, giving a hint of early development. On first impression, there’s a strong marzipan aroma mingling with something savoury. The wine is smooth and…

  • North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2023

    North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    I first discovered this wine last year and it quickly became one of my top picks. It stood out not just in character, but as one of my outstanding wines by value. I had the chance to try the new 2023 vintage at the Asda Summer 2025 showcase, and while it still shone, I wanted to compare it more closely with the 2020 vintage. So here we are. The new vintage shows a touch less browning than the 2020, appearing slightly darker in the glass. It carries that same savoury, almost ‘twiglet’ aroma with striking intensity. On the palate, the…

  • Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

    Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Emma Marris, eldest daughter of Brent Marris, the winemaker behind the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc, The Ned, is now making her own mark in the world of wine. Having spent her life immersed in viticulture, Emma fine-tuned her expertise studying at Roseworthy College near Adelaide, and has since stepped into the role of Production Winemaker. This Sauvignon Blanc comes from a single vineyard, Leefield Station Vineyard, and is certified vegan, carrying the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) accreditation. It already has impressive recognition, achieving a high rating of 3.9 on Vivino. At first glance, the wine is remarkably clear, almost water-like in…

  • Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2025

    Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting 2025

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    Simon Judge

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    For the first time, Australia and New Zealand combined their annual trade tastings in London, an event that historically has been held separately, New Zealand’s since 1982 and Wine Australia’s since 1986. The decision to merge the two was likely influenced by lower attendance in 2023, though it’s worth noting that train strikes in 2023 may have contributed to those numbers. This year’s event featured more than 1,000 wines from 200 wineries, a vast selection that posed the difficult question: how do I approach a tasting with so many wines? In previous years, when Australia and New Zealand held their…

  • Deluxe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

    Deluxe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    I first discovered and enjoyed this wine during the Lidl Winter Wine Tours press tasting and decided to try it again to explore in more detail. Produced in the Awatere Valley, this 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (12% ABV) is part of the Lidl Deluxe core line. From the winemaker signature ‘Priyanka K’ on the front label, it seems likely that it was produced by Priyanka Kulkarni of Indevin, a leading New Zealand wine producer who actually acquired Villa Maria and associated well-known brands in 2021. This Sauvignon Blanc offers the typical aromas of passion fruit, gooseberry and lemongrass, complemented by an…

  • Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc

    Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Villa Maria’s Single Vineyard Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc is a standout wine from the eastern coastline of the Awatere Valley, a cooler and windier sub-region of Marlborough, New Zealand. This area is known for its slow-growing season, which allows the grapes to develop an intense concentration and depth of flavour. The 2021 vintage of this wine was awarded by the IWC, earning praise for its exceptional quality. It also holds a high 4.1 rating on Vivino, reflecting its popularity among wine enthusiasts. This 2022 vintage continues this success and has 14% ABV. This wine start with the typical Sauvignon Blanc passion…

  • Two Pinot Noir

    Two Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    On the eve of Pinot Noir Day, we had two bottles of Pinot Noir waiting to be tasted, perfect timing for a mini tasting session. Three of us gathered, each with expectations of a light wine experience, especially given the wine variety. We decided to put them to the test not just by themselves but also with food, including pasta and strong-flavoured salads, to see how they might change. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2022, New ZealandThis wine has a pretty colour that catches the light, resembling cranberry juice. The aroma is delicate, with hints of rosehips and perhaps…

  • Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

    Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that ignited the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc revolution, continues to shine brightly in its latest vintage. This iconic wine, which stole the show at the Sunday Times Wine Club Vintage Festival in 1986, is now meticulously crafted under the expertise of viticulturalist Jane Hunter, OBE, and Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for viticulture, alongside her winemaking nephew. From the renowned Wairau Valley, this Sauvignon Blanc has an ABV of 12.5% and presents the classic, vibrant flavours that have made it a favourite for decades. The 2023 vintage showcases a delightful medley of passion fruit,…

  • Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022

    Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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    Simon Judge

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    The Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Marlborough, New Zealand, stands out in the crowded field of affordable wines, not just for its price point but also for its quality and accolades. Awarded at the Berliner Wine Trophy 2023 and scoring an impressive 90 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), alongside a commendable 3.9 rating on Vivino, this wine has made its mark. Despite a slight caveat regarding its provenance, bulk bottled in Germany with the actual New Zealand Marlborough producer remaining undisclosed, this wine’s character is vibrant and refreshing, starting with a strong passion fruit aroma that…

  • New Zealand London Trade Tasting 2024

    New Zealand London Trade Tasting 2024

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    Simon Judge

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    The New Zealand London Trade Tasting on 6 February 2024 included of a walkaround tasting and a masterclass ‘New Zealand Road Trip’ by Oz Clarke. At this tasting I mainly tried Sauvignon Blanc but I also tasted a few Chardonnay, Albariño, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah wine and even a red blend. Please see my article Understanding New Zealand Wines for an introduction. Not all New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs manage to recapture the distinctive qualities I remember of their early 1990s examples, such as Montana, before the era of mass production began. I like a Sauvignon Blanc that presents a…

  • Understanding New Zealand Wine

    Understanding New Zealand Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    New Zealand produces only 1% of the world’s wine but has carved a niche for itself. With 731 wineries, over 80% of which export to international markets, New Zealand has firmly established its presence internationally. The UK has become the second-largest market for these wines, following behind the USA. The international breakthrough for New Zealand wine came in the 1980s with the introduction of Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc. Today, New Zealand boasts ten main wine-growing regions, each within 130 kilometres (80 miles) of the sea. This proximity to the ocean plays a crucial role in defining the distinct character of New…

  • Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

    Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Having been slightly disappointed with Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin in recent years, I approached this new 2023 vintage with hope. Upon tasting, the first thing you notice is its robust passion fruit aroma, a hallmark of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which remains pronounced even at refrigeration temperature. The palate is greeted with a harmonious blend of tropical fruits, citrus and a distinct note of passion fruit. Unlike some of its contemporaries, this wine doesn’t overwhelm with complexity. Instead, it offers a clear, focused taste experience. The 2023 vintage has pleasantly surprised me, rekindling the essence of what…

  • What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?

    What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?

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    Simon Judge

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    Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is a certification mark signifying a commitment among some winemakers in Marlborough, New Zealand, to uphold high-quality standards and preserve the unique characteristics of wines produced in this region. Initiated and trademark registered in 2018, AMW primarily aimed to safeguard the authenticity, origin and integrity of Marlborough’s popular Sauvignon Blanc. The drive for AMW’s creation stemmed from concerns among local winemakers regarding the quality of Sauvignon Blanc bottled outside New Zealand, which potentially threatened the reputation of Marlborough wines. By being part of AMW, currently 53 AWM vintners aim to ensure consumers can reliably identify and…

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Did You Know?

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

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