NORTH ISLAND

32 TASTED

29 RECOMMENDED

The warmth of the North Island produces markedly softer, rounder wines than the aromatic, crisp styles typical of the South Island. The ‘intermediate’, rather than ‘cool’, grape-growing climates of Auckland, Northland and Gisborne yield rich, rounded chardonnays and highly approachable, characterful white wines from albarino, a naturally high-acid variety. Favourably dry growing seasons also produce some classy Bordeaux-style reds and syrahs. (Note: Hawke's Bay, by far the largest wine region in the North Island, will be the focus of a separate regional tasting.)

Prices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available in export markets are shown as (A) Australia; (UK); and (US).

CHARDONNAY

9 TASTED

9 AWARDED

Gisborne built a strong reputation during the 1980s for deliciously full-bodied, ripe-tasting chardonnays, but those from Auckland and Northland can also be distinguished. Perhaps Gisborne’s greatest asset is its ability to produce large crops of ripely flavoured chardonnay, yielding affordable, easy-drinking wines, delicious young.

Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay 2017 ★★★★★

Already delicious, but well worth cellaring, this classy wine was