MaryAnn Worobiec’s Recommended Wines From New Zealand
Nearly 350 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available at WineSpectator.com/NewZealandAlpha093019.
WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings search.ESCARPMENT Pinot Noir Martinborough 95 $ 65
Kiwa Single Vineyard 2017
Fragrant and robust, this red combines power and finesse, with flavors
of black pepper, mahogany, hops, sandalwood, blackberry and plum.
BURN COTTAGE Pinot Noir Central Otago 94 $ 65
Burn Cottage Vineyard 2016
Elegant and focused, featuring fresh raspberry and cherry flavors at
the core, with a creamy texture and accents of cinnamon and clove.
DOG POINT Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Section 94 2016 94 $ 38
Deep, with whiffs of smoke, white pepper, honeycomb and orange
blossom that melt into apricot, dried mango and lemon curd flavors.
FELTON ROAD Pinot Noir Central Otago Calvert 2017 94 $ 85
Lush and vibrant, with blackberry and blueberry flavors that are
intense and powerful, yet still showing restraint and delicacy.
LOVEBLOCK Pinot Noir Central Otago 2018 93 $ 35
Smooth and succulent, with vibrant cherry, raspberry and apricot
notes and touches of white pepper, anise seed and toasted cumin.
TRINITY HILL Syrah Hawkes Bay Homage 2016 93 $ 100
Bold and stylish, with white pepper and dried lavender accents to
the velvety blueberry and plum flavors, followed by a long finish.
VALLI Pinot Noir Central Otago Bendigo Vineyard 2016 93 $ 59
Spicy, with sarsaparilla, clove and cedar notes that mingle with black-
berry and blueberry flavors. The tannins are firm, the acidity fresh.
CRAGGY RANGE Pinot Noir Martinborough 2017 92 $ 25
Appealing for the combination of savory details and a fresh fruit core,
with cranberry and raspberry flavors and pine needle and loam notes.
DUCK HUNTER Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 92 $ 20
This white mixes power with elegance, delivering generous lemon
meringue, orange blossom, peach and dried mango notes.
GREYWACKE Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 92 $ 23
A vibrant mix of pineapple, mango and citrus flavors on a smooth,
medium body, with plenty of vibrant acidity.
KUMEU RIVER Chardonnay Kumeu Coddington 2017 92 $ 46
Vibrant and expressive, featuring peppery white floral notes that
mingle with pear and citrus flavors, with a sleek, refreshing finish.
MOHUA Pinot Noir Central Otago 2016 92 $ 24
Lively, featuring a fresh mix of wild strawberry, cherry and raspberry
flavors, mingling effortlessly with thyme, sage and tobacco notes.
MOUNT RILEY Pinot Noir Central Otago Limited Release 2018 92 $ 24
Maraschino cherry flavors are smooth and fresh, with details of clove,
vanilla bean and black tea, vibrant and expressive on the finish.
RAPAURA SPRINGS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 92 $ 17
Reserve 2018
Exotic notes of honeysuckle, lanolin and spice lead to succulent peach,
mango and mandarin orange flavors, with an expressive finish.
RIPPON Pinot Noir Central Otago Mature Vine 92 $ 60
Lake Wanaka 2016
Complex and bold, with cigar box aromatics leaping out of the glass,
followed by notes of dried porcini, black tea and sandalwood.
TUTTON SIENKO & HILL Pinot Noir Waipara 92 $ 40
The Boneline Waimanu 2016
Fresh raspberry coulis and wild strawberry flavors are fresh and
creamy at the core, with accents of clove and green tea.
VILLA MARIA Pinot Noir Marlborough Single Vineyard 92 $ 42
Taylors Pass Vineyard 2016
Opens up supple and elegant, with a weightlessness to the polished
cranberry and strawberry flavors. The tannins firm up on the finish.WAIPARA SPRINGS Pinot Noir Waipara Valley 2017 92 $ 20
Fragrant, with white pepper, smoked paprika, Earl Grey tea and
nutmeg notes that mingle well with blackberry and plum flavors.CLOUDY BAY Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand Te Koko 2015 91 $ 60
Stylish, with an intriguing mix of honeysuckle, lanolin and beeswax
providing a spicy backdrop for lemon curd, pear and yellow apple.FRAMINGHAM Riesling Marlborough Noble 2018 91 $ 20
Butterscotch, dried apricot and candied ginger flavors are rich and
creamy, with an appealing thread of acidity that weaves in and out.KUMEU RIVER Chardonnay Kumeu Estate 2017 91 $ 34
Mouthwatering lime, pear and green apple flavors show focus and
intensity, with mandarin orange and mango notes on the finish.SERESIN Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 91 $ 60
Mārama Limited Release 2015
Features a mature, spicy side, with rich lanolin, dried honeysuckle and
beeswax flavors, showing a lovely note of poached pear at the core.ALLAN SCOTT Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 18
The pear and green apple flavors are succulent, bright and crisp in this
version, with plenty of verve from the fresh acidity.ASTROLABE Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 22
Vibrant and powerful lemon, fresh grated ginger and Key lime flavors
are succulent and juicy on a smooth frame, with fresh acidity.DASHWOOD Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 15
Toasted herb and saline accents add richness and a savory element
to the supple mango, peach and pineapple flavors. Polished.KIM CRAWFORD Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 18
Bright and expressive, with toasted herb and saline notes adding an
appealing savory edge to the core of melon, citrus and apricot flavors.MATUA Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017 90 $ 13
Lemongrass, Key lime and green apple flavors are bright and polished
on a light frame, with refreshing acidity that pops on the finish.MT. BEAUTIFUL Sauvignon Blanc North Canterbury 2018 90 $ 17
There’s an appealing core of lush, ripe melon and peach flavors, with
details of white pepper, honeysuckle and ruby grapefruit.NAUTILUS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 18
Shows terrific intensity to the passion fruit and dried mango flavors,
with accents of Meyer lemon and Key lime pie. Vivid.THREE BROOMS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 90 $ 17
Single Vineyard 2018
Pear, pineapple and ruby grapefruit flavors are vibrant and refreshing,
showing purity and intensity on the long, intense finish.WAIRAU RIVER Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 90 $ 15
Lemongrass and lemon verbena notes mingle with flavors of nectarine
and citrus, with plenty of style, intensity and a juicy thread of acidity.YEALANDS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Peter Yealands 2018 90 $ 15
Impressively concentrated, featuring tangy peach and melon flavors
that mingle with a citrusy core and a smooth, polished finish.MATUA Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 89 $ 12
Manages to pack in plenty of intensity and detail on a light, fresh
frame, with Meyer lemon, lime zest and mango flavors.TASTING REPORT | NEW ZEALANDSEPT. 30, 2019 • WINE SPECTATOR 77WINE SCORE PRICE WINE SCORE PRICE