New Zealand has earned its place on the global wine stage with its diverse terroirs and innovative winemaking. While regions like Marlborough are famed for their Sauvignon Blanc, the country’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay continue to captivate wine lovers worldwide.
From Hawke’s Bay’s Bordeaux blends to Central Otago’s Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noirs, the country offers an array of wines that combine elegance, power, and exceptional value.
The top 10 wines from New Zealand this year, as identified by Wine-Searcher, demonstrate the versatility and quality of the nation’s winemaking. Each wine on the list boasts an impressive score of 93 points, showcasing New Zealand’s ability to produce world-class vintages.
1. Te Mata Estate Coleraine
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 92
Leading the pack is Te Mata Estate’s Coleraine, a Bordeaux blend from Hawke’s Bay. Often dubbed New Zealand’s “First Growth,” this iconic estate traces its origins back to 1892. The Coleraine, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is a benchmark wine. The 2018 vintage was praised for its complexity, featuring notes of black currant, plum, chocolate, and dried herbs. At USD 92, this wine is a remarkable representation of New Zealand’s Bordeaux-style reds.
2. Rippon Tinker’s Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 87
Hailing from Central Otago, Rippon’s Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir exemplifies the region’s mastery of this varietal. The wine is crafted from some of Rippon’s oldest vines, overlooking the stunning Lake Wanaka. The 2017 vintage offers a multi-layered bouquet of dark berry fruits, liquorice, and damp stones, making it a standout choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.
3. Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 59
Chardonnay takes center stage with this gem from Kumeu River in West Auckland. Known for its bright and creamy profile, the Hunting Hill Chardonnay delivers aromas of lemon, lime blossom, and white peach. At USD 59, it’s an extraordinary value for a wine with such pedigree.
4. Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 70
Also from Kumeu River, Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay is a tribute to Maté Brajkovich, who planted the vineyard in 1990. This wine is celebrated for its concentrated stone fruit flavors, toasty nuances, and balance of power and delicacy.
5. Ata Rangi McCrone Block Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 74
Ata Rangi, meaning “new dawn” in Te Reo, is a pioneer of Martinborough winemaking. The McCrone Block Pinot Noir stands out for its minerality and complex layers of spices, herbs, and red fruits. It perfectly captures the distinct personality of its clay and gravel soils.
6. Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 66
Ata Rangi’s standard Pinot Noir is anything but ordinary. With vines over 40 years old, this wine showcases heady spices, cherry cola, and cinnamon bark, making it a classic expression of Martinborough terroir.
7. Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 118
Central Otago’s Felton Road is renowned for its biodynamic practices and meticulous winemaking. The Block 5 Pinot Noir offers ethereal notes of fresh berries, violet, rose petals, and stony minerality. The wine’s complexity and depth have earned it acclaim as one of New Zealand’s finest.
8. Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 119
Another stellar entry from Felton Road, the Block 3 Pinot Noir, highlights the distinct character of the Bannockburn sub-region. The 2020 vintage is vibrant, with elderberry, crushed mulberry, and red-fruit notes that define the new wave of Central Otago Pinot Noir.
9. Trinity Hill Homage Syrah
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 89
Hawke’s Bay makes another appearance with Trinity Hill’s Homage Syrah. This wine combines New World fruitiness with Old World elegance, offering layers of blackberry, tobacco, cloves, and graphite. It’s a testament to the potential of Syrah in New Zealand.
10. Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir
- Score: 93
- Price: USD 129
Rounding out the list is the Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir from Central Otago’s Prophet’s Rock. A collaboration with Burgundy winemaker François Millet, this wine reflects a harmonious blend of French and Kiwi expertise. Its vibrant fruit and finesse make it a coveted bottle among collectors.
A Celebration of Quality and Value
These wines exemplify the diversity and excellence of New Zealand’s wine regions. From the Bordeaux-style blends of Hawke’s Bay to Central Otago’s celebrated Pinot Noir, these bottles demonstrate why New Zealand continues to punch above its weight in the global wine scene.
Despite their quality, the prices remain remarkably accessible, with even the highest-priced bottle at USD 129—a rarity among wines of similar pedigree. With Pinot Noir as New Zealand’s crowning jewel, it’s only a matter of time before these hidden treasures command even greater attention on the world stage.
Source: Wine-Searcher