While New Zealand's wine industry is often synonymous with the Marlborough region and its globally renowned Sauvignon Blanc ("savvie"), there's far more to the country's wine landscape than meets the eye.
In fact, when examining the top-tier wines of New Zealand, Marlborough, and its signature grape, barely make an appearance. The spotlight instead falls on other regions and varietals that produce wines of outstanding quality, often at prices far exceeding Marlborough's offerings.
Take, for example, the well-known Cloudy Bay’s Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc. While a standout bottle in terms of prestige, its oaked elegance remains priced at less than half of what’s required to make it onto the top ten most expensive New Zealand wines list. In this exclusive echelon, it is the wines of Waiheke Island, North Canterbury, and Martinborough that take center stage, with Bordeaux-style blends, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay dominating the top positions.
The Top Ten Most Expensive New Zealand Wines by Wine-Searcher
| Wine Name | Score | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny Bay Magna Praemia, Waiheke Island | 93 | USD 495 |
| Destiny Bay Mystae, Waiheke Island | 92 | USD 338 |
| Kusuda Pinot Noir, Martinborough | 93 | USD 255 |
| Bell Hill Pinot Noir, North Canterbury | 93 | USD 249 |
| Stonyridge Vineyard Larose, Waiheke Island | 91 | USD 230 |
| Bell Hill Chardonnay, North Canterbury | 93 | USD 221 |
| Peregrine Pinnacle Pinot Noir, Central Otago | 92 | USD 154 |
| Te Motu Te Motu, Waiheke Island | 90 | USD 143 |
| Kusuda Syrah, Martinborough | 92 | USD 141 |
| Bell Hill Old Weka Pass Pinot Noir, N. Canterbury | 91 | USD 141 |
(Global prices as of writing)
Waiheke Island's Bordeaux-Inspired Dominance
Waiheke Island, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, is perhaps the least expected yet most dominant player in New Zealand's luxury wine scene. With four wines in the top ten, including the two most expensive offerings from Destiny Bay, the island is punching far above its weight.
Destiny Bay’s Magna Praemia and Mystae lead the list with their Bordeaux-style blends. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, these wines reflect not only the island’s unique terroir but also its nod to Napa Valley. The owners, originally from the U.S., have modeled their wine philosophy on Napa's high-quality benchmarks while positioning China as a key export market. Factors like the labor-intensive production, high real estate costs, and the logistical challenges of operating on an island all contribute to the high prices. Furthermore, Waiheke’s mild climate and diverse, mineral-rich soils make it an ideal location for Bordeaux blends.
In addition to Destiny Bay, Stonyridge Vineyard Larose and Te Motu Te Motu — also Bordeaux-inspired reds — feature prominently. Stonyridge is known for producing one of the island's most sought-after wines, often compared to top-level Napa and Bordeaux estates. Te Motu, while less well-known, produces small quantities of Syrah that could push its flagship red out of the top ten, though these wines are so rare they often don’t make it to broader markets.
North Canterbury's Bell Hill: Pinot and Chardonnay Excellence
On New Zealand’s South Island, Bell Hill is a name synonymous with top-tier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Bell Hill Vineyard is located in a historic limestone quarry, and its high-density plantings yield wines that are highly sought after, yet produced in minuscule quantities — sometimes just 400-500 bottles per vintage. Winemaker Marcel Giesen and his wife Sherwyn Veldhuizen focus on biodynamic practices to craft some of New Zealand's most expensive and critically acclaimed wines. The Bell Hill Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Old Weka Pass Pinot Noir occupy three of the top ten positions, reflecting the estate's consistent commitment to quality.
Kusuda Wines: Precision Winemaking from Martinborough
The meticulous winemaking of Hiroyuki Kusuda in Martinborough has earned him two places in the top ten with his Pinot Noir and Syrah. Kusuda’s attention to detail is legendary, with his small team of 50 individuals picking each grape by hand to ensure optimal ripeness. His wines, particularly his Pinot Noir, have gained a cult following among wine enthusiasts for their precision, balance, and elegance. Kusuda’s Syrah also stands out, further cementing Martinborough as a region of excellence for both Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Conclusion: A Broader View of New Zealand Wine
Though Marlborough and Sauvignon Blanc are globally recognized symbols of New Zealand wine, the country’s high-end offerings tell a different story. Waiheke Island, North Canterbury, and Martinborough are the regions vying for the title of New Zealand’s finest wines, and their Bordeaux blends, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, and Chardonnays offer world-class quality, with prices to match. Whether driven by small production volumes, labor-intensive methods, or the uniqueness of their terroir, these wines continue to command attention — and prices — on the global stage.
Source: Wine-Searcher