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.
Saint Clair 2002 Vicar’s Choice Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $15
This is a big, bulky wine with a slightly syrupy mouthfeel, yet it doesn’t show much in the way of fruit. Instead, it’s minty and herbal, with wintergreen and cherry cough medicine flavors.
— J.C.
(4/1/2004)
Firstland 2000 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $25
Light and woody, with flavors of cola and tart berries partially masked by a veneer of dry, toasty oak.
— J.C.
(9/1/2003)
Omaka Springs 2001 Winemaker's Selection Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $19
Earthy and a bit sour, with hints of sweaty socks alongside cola and tart cherry flavors. Shows decent complexity, but finishes short and with slightly drying tannins.
— J.C.
(4/1/2004)
Matua Valley 2002 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $11
It’s supple, smooth and the price is right, but the flavors are herbaceous and menthol-like, with sour cherry fruit and white gumdrop notes.
— J.C.
(8/1/2004)
Allan Scott 2002 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $24
A poster boy for what is wrong with New Zealand Pinot Noir, the 2002 Allan Scott takes some delicate cherry fruit and covers it with oak that tastes like caramel or toasted marshmallows. Finishes short. It’s not bad, but could have been so much better. Imported by Uniqco Inc.
— J.C.
(7/1/2005)
Herzog 2002 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $35
The Swiss folk at Herzog are making some interesting wines. Even this Pinot isn’t without merit, although it’s definitely weird. The nose is full of cola and wintergreen, with hints of cured meat, while the flavors resemble camphor and hickory smoke. Turns dry and astringent on the finish. Imported by Oenophilia Imports.
— J.C.
(7/1/2005)
Thornbury 2003 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
Bold and fresh, but also a bit rough and loud. Has some grassy elements on the nose, along with chocolate and carob flavors and some zesty, lemony acids on the finish. Imported by T.G.I.C. Importers.
— J.C.
(12/1/2005)
Dyed-In-The-Wool 2003 Unchangeable Pinot Noir (Canterbury)
- $14
Light in color and already showing some disturbing bricking at the rim, this Pinot is rather light-bodied, with dusty, earthy scents and flavors of cherries, herbs and crushed pepper. Finishes with crisp acidity. Imported by Low Country Imports.
— J.C.
(12/1/2005)
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