NORTH ISLAND Wairarapa, Gisborne, Auckland & Northland
JUDGED BY
Michael Cooper Winestate’s New Zealand editor is author of the internationally acclaimed Wine Atlas of New Zealand and the annual New Zealand Wines: Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wine writing.
Hawke's Bay - which has its own, separate regional tasting - dominates winemaking in the North Island. This tasting focuses on the North Island’s small wine regions – Northland, Auckland, Gisborne and the Wairarapa (including its famous sub-region, Martinborough). Together, the four regions account for just seven per cent of the national vineyard area but are the base of nearly 30 per cent of the country’s wine producers.
Their regional strengths shone through in the tasting, with Northland and Auckland both standing out for powerful, ripe syrah. Gisborne underlined its long-term strength in full-bodied, rich, well-rounded chardonnay; and the Wairarapa reinforced its reputation for notably savoury, complex pinot noir.
Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available in export markets are shown as (A) Australia, (UK) and (US).
SPARKLING
2 TASTED
2 RECOMMENDED
Palliser Estate Méthode The Rose 2017
This outstanding sparkling rosé (called The Rose), was made entirely from pinot noir. Pink/pale orange,
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