Bri's Best Bottles  |  IG Live  |  10 Wines  |  30 Minutes

Tune In: November 9th @ 6pm (Pacific) →
June 18, 2019

New Zealand Standouts

I taste a lot of wines day in and day out. Recently, I seem to have lots of New Zealand wine in my glass. Here is a round-up of some standouts that I highly recommend. Cheers!

Neudorf Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $26 

This wine has a spicy and vegetal note on the nose that carries through on the palate. I get a tomato leaf and olive note. Quite lovely, and unique for a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc!

 

 

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Marlborough 2016 $29

In the style of a white Bordeaux, specifically Pessac-Leognan. On the nose, a savory petrol note; flint. Exquisite. This is, hands down, one of my favorite whites from New Zealand. I have tried it many times and am never disappointed.

 

 

Dog Point Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 $42

Aromas of tree fruit, cream, and butter/dairy. Less malo notes on the palate. Really clean, pure fruit with a slight savory note that makes it really interesting.

 

 

Burn Cottage Pinot Noir, Burn Cottage Vineyard Bannockburn, Central Otago $65

A bowl ‘o red fruit on the nose. On the palate: wow, complex with a medium + lingering finish. Super savory. A heady wine that makes you think.

 

 

Neudorf Pinot Noir Tom’s Block 2014 $28 

This wine has juicy red fruit on the nose, plus a nice spiciness. A true, classic Pinot that is more structured than one would expect. Layered….more interesting as you get into it.

 

 

Mills Reef, Elspeth Syrah Hawke’s Bay 2016 $46

Aromas of red & black fruit, black pepper, baking spices, and black licorice. Plus a woody note. The varietal character on the palate: deep fruit + meatiness. Feels very honest, true….simple.

 

 

Vidal Syrah “El Legado” Hawke’s Bay/Gimblett Gravels 2014 $60

The first vines on this property were planted in the 1900s. This wine gives classic Syrah markers including red fruit, pepper, and a faint animal aroma. Quite lovely.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you’re looking to Up Your Wine Game and Drink Better, consider booking a private in-person or virtual wine tasting experience.
Brianne Cohen Wine Educator
Brianne Cohen is a certified sommelier, wine educator, consultant, and writer based out of Los Angeles.

Since March 2020, Brianne has educated and entertained over 5,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine tastings.

Brianne holds the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Diploma certificate, one of the most coveted wine certifications in the world. When she’s not helping others Up Their Wine Game, she can be found judging at international wine competitions.

Brianne aims to make wine approachable and conversational, to surprise and delight with unexpected, distinctive wine finds, and to give people knowledge (and confidence) about wine in their everyday lives.

Connect With Brianne →
Sample Policy

As a wine writer, I frequently accept samples for review on my  website and on my social media channels. Please contact me at brianne@briannecohen.com to discuss sending samples for review. I promise to always be honorable with the samples. I will evaluate all wines in good tasting settings and with no distractions.

All reviews are my opinions, and mine only. Because of the volume of samples I receive, I cannot promise that all samples received will be reviewed, but I will do my best.

Brianne Cohen Favicon

Recent Posts

Stay up to date on my wine sips, jaunts, offerings & events

As a thank you, I'll share with you answers to my 5 Most Common Wine Questions!
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
Site Credit: MADE BY WMN
Brianne Cohen Logo
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram