New Zealand Wines
The land most Americans came to know via The Lord of the Rings is home to some great wines as well as spectacular scenery. Sauvignon Blanc is grown in most New Zealand wine regions, but is especially notable in Marlborough, where it makes wines that set the New World standard for that variety. Other grape varieties commonly grown in New Zealand include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.
Wine Enthusiast’s New Zealand wine guide features thousands of New Zealand wine reviews from all over the country, including Hawkes Bay and Martinborough on the North Island and Marlborough, Nelson, Waipara and Central Otago on the South Island. Search our Buying Guide to find New Zealand wine ratings from all of your favorite producers.
Craggy Range 2003 Te Muna Block 1 Doug Wisor Memorial Pinot Noir (Martinborough Terrace)
- $60
Full-bodied, yet soft and enveloping, this silky-smooth wine seduces with its lush mouthfeel and ripe, plummy fruit, then layers on spice and savory complexities including hints of coffee, game, cola and earth. Just 42 cases imported. Imported by Kobrand.
— J.C.
(12/1/2005)
Valli 2006 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $52
— J.C.
(7/1/2008)
Felton Road 2007 Block 3 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- $75
Felton Road’s Pinots have been among the best in NZ, but the 2007s step things up another notch. The Block 3 combines a briary, slightly herbal element with black cherry aromas, then unfolds on the palate to reveal layers of fruit, coffee and spice. It’s lush yet structured, with a long, textured finish. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(5/1/2009)
Felton Road 2007 Block 5 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- $78
Slightly bigger than the Block 3, but simultaneously softer as well, Felton Road’s 2007 Block 5 features ripe, plummy fruit backed by earthy nuances, spice and cola. Like its stablemate, it’s lushly textured, with a long finish. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(5/1/2009)
Craggy Range 2007 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir (Bannockburn)
- Editors' Choice
- $50
This vineyard is coming into its own, with stellar wines emerging from Felton Road and Pyramid Valley in 2007 as well as this offering. It’s nearly jammy, filled with cherry fruit, but there is enough sous bois character to make it recognizably Pinot Noir, and a delightfully lush, creamy texture framed by supple tannins and adequate acids. Drink now–2017.
— J.C.
(4/1/2011)
Felton Road 2008 Block 3 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- Online Exclusive
- $80
In 2008, the Block 3 tannins are so silky and refined they give a soft, luscious character to the wine that’s incredibly appealing. Spice, black cherry and cola notes finish long and complex. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(6/1/2010)
Felton Road 2008 Block 5 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $79
Plummy and dark, with accents of cedar, dark chocolate and hints of coffee. This is always the most robust of the Felton Road Pinots, and really deserves a few years in the cellar; although it’s approachable now, expect the already soft tannins to turn silkier in time.
— J.C.
(9/1/2010)
Felton Road 2010 Calvert Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
- Cellar Selection
- $60
Unusual for New Zealand Pinot Noir, this full-bodied bottling is structured firmly enough to warrant 2–3 years of cellaring. Earthy, savory notes that include roasted meat and coffee intertwine with black cherry and beetroot, while the tannins turn dusty on the finish.
— J.C.
(4/1/2013)
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