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.
Clearview 2007 Reserve Chardonnay (Hawke's Bay)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $56
Simply put, this is an outstanding example of New World Chardonnay, marrying bold tropical fruit aromas and flavors with Burgundian production techniques. Guava and mango notes are lush an dappealing, framed by just enough structure and hints of dried spices and toasty oak for complexity and balance. Long and crisp on the finish. Now-2013.
— J.C.
(11/1/2008)
Man O' War 2008 Dreadnought Syrah (Waiheke Island)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
Representing a new level of quality for Waiheke Syrah, this wine boasts captivating aromas of peppered meat, violets and cassis. It’s full bodied without being heavy, and the flavors seamlessly blend fruity with savory for a thrilling ride. Finishes long, with firm tannins and a hint of espresso. Drink now¬–2018.
— J.C.
(9/1/2011)
Escarpment 2005 Kupe Pinot Noir (Martinborough)
- $60
Since its debut in 2003, this has been one of New Zealand’s top Pinot Noirs, combining power, structure and complexity. Smoky and richly peppery at first, it turns more floral with aeration, and while it’s big in the mouth, it’s also silky in texture. The black cherry, plum, vanilla and spice flavors fan out on the long, layered finish. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Kim Crawford 1999 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- Best Buy
- $15
This New Zealand wine was 25% barrel fermented, which gives added complexity to already intense herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc fruit tending toward gooseberries and lime. The finish is long and layered with echoes of opening fruit.
— L.W.
(4/1/2000)
Sacred Hill 1997 Rifleman's Chardonnay (Hawke's Bay)
- $33
A small bird, not Chuck Connors, gives this wine its name. A huge, intensely toasted Chardonnay with lemon, green-apple, butterscotch and custard aromas and flavors. Rich, oaky and weighty, it has very good structure and balance, and should age nicely over a few more years.
— W.E.
(9/1/2000)
Isabel Estate 1999 Noble Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
- $35
All Sauvignon Blanc, and it shows in aromas of gooseberries, passion fruit and chili peppers. This intensely sweet and honeyed wine also blends in an array of apricot-botrytis flavors. This is a wine that tastes great now and should also age gracefully.
— J.C.
(5/1/2001)
Kumeu River 1999 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- $33
Smokier and toastier than Kumeu’s regular Chardonnay, the fruit is also dialed up, with ripe pears, peaches and even orange blossoms. The long, citrusy finish leaves you searching for another pour. Should be long-lived as well.
— J.C.
(5/1/2001)
Sacred Hill 1998 Broken Stone Merlot (Hawke's Bay)
- $40
This 100% Merlot is packed with black cherries, lusciously ripe and silky in the mouth. Black-tea notes on the finish hint at the complexities to be gained with bottle age. Try after 2003.
— J.C.
(5/1/2001)
Most Reviewed Varietals
Most Reviewed Wineries
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2010 Bogle Old Vine
What a delicious Zin this is. Sourced from the warm climates of Lodi and…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity