5 New Zealand Wines You Really Must Try  Add/Read Comments

Vinoptima Gewürztraminer, 2003, Gisborne, New Zealand.
An aged gewürz' with a most beguiling aroma and deep, floral, complex palate. Retail around £19.99. Vinoptima (Latin for 'best wines') is a single variety, 8 hectare estate created by Nick Nobilo in Ormond, near Gisborne on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island. The aim is to combine the best of concepts from the old world (terroir) and new world (wine making practises) the vision for Vinoptima is simply to produce world class Gewürztraminer.


Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Gris, 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand.
Refined, spicy, pure delicious Pinot Gris from Villa Maria's premium Single Vineyard range. Retail around £10.99.


Grove Mill Pinot Gris, 2006, Marlborough, New Zealand.
A superbly balanced, smoky, big and rich. Retail around £16. Grove Mill is the world's first CarboNZero certified winery.


Esk Valley Estate Black Label Verdelho, 2006, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
A heady 14% alcohol wine packing a mass of lime-citrus flavours and a toast edge. Retail around £8.99. Winemaker Gordon Russell, has established himself as one of New Zealand's most passionate reflected in the huge number of awards his wines have received in tastings and competitions.


Julicher Rosé, 2006, Martinborough, New Zealand.
A lively and lovely strawberry and currant flavour with a little sweetness offsetting the touch of tannin. Retail around £9.50. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, just one of five wines available from this small, boutique estate.