Wairarapa
Wairarapa is a wine region in New Zealand that is famous for producing high-quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The region is located at the southern end of the North Island and is known for its unique climate and soil conditions, which provide ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varieties.
One of the most famous vineyards in Wairarapa is the Martinborough Vineyard, which is credited with helping to put the region on the map for wine enthusiasts worldwide. The vineyard produces a range of high-quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, and is known for its attention to detail in the winemaking process.
Another well-known vineyard in Wairarapa is the Ata Rangi Vineyard, which is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir wines. The estate is known for its sustainable and organic winemaking practices, and its wines are known for their elegance and balance of flavour.
The Palliser Estate is another famous vineyard in Wairarapa, known for its range of high-quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The estate is known for its attention to detail in the winemaking process, and its wines are characterized by their complex flavours and aromas.
In addition to these famous vineyards, Wairarapa is home to many other wineries that produce exceptional wines. The region is particularly known for its Pinot Noir wines, which are characterized by their elegance, complexity, and depth of flavour.
Wairarapa
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The Real Review (96)
Line-priced with the Home Block Pinot Noir, this is a slightly more robust style thanks, perhaps, to more clay-rich soils. It's an elegant pinot noir with cherry, spice, anise, floral, violet, cigar box and fine, stemmy tannins. A little closed at this stage but with the potential to develop well with bottle age.HK$4,695.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018HK$3,295.00 -
HK$3,570.00 -
Raymond Chan (100)
Full, even, black-hued ruby-red with youthful purple tints. The nose is very full with softly concentrated and layered aromas of rich, ripe, dark red berries and cherries along with nuances of dark red plums entwined with fragrant violet florals, fresh herb and spicy detail. The aromatics blossom to reveal notes of raspberry liqueur, earth and minerals. This exudes richness allied to elegance and finesse. Medium-full bodied, vibrantly succulent and lusciously sweet fruit flavours of dark red berry and cherry fruit are harmoniously melded with flavours of ripe dark plums and fragrant violet florals, dark herbs, spices and red licorice. The flavours are seamlessly mouthfilling and supported by refined, flowery tannin extraction, and enlivened by poised acidity. This has drive, energy and fine linearity, and the wine carries to a very long and sustained, rich finish of spiced cherries and raspberry liqueur. This is a beautifully rich and succulent, elegantly balanced and refined Pinot Noir with seamless-flowing, ripe flavours of dark berry and cherry fruit with complexing floral and herbal detail. Match with duck, pork, beef and lamb dishes over the next 7-10 years. Fruit from the oldest parcels, 40% Abel clone with the remainder clones 5, Dijon and 10/5, indigenous yeast fermented with 25% whole bunches to 14.0% alc., the wine spending 20-26 days on skins and aged 11 months in 35% new French oak barrels.HK$6,120.00 -
Wine Orbit (98)
Offering graceful power and immense complexity, the wine shows dark cherry, dark mushroom, floral, fragrant spice and toasted almond characters on the nose with nuances of charcuterie and floral. It’s elegant and sophisticated on the palate with exceptional depth and concentration, seamlessly structured by silky tannins, finishing impressively long and engaging.HK$3,800.00 -
The Real Review (98)
Elegant, seamless pinot noir with fragrant, floral, red rose, dark cherry, anise, spice and restrained savoury and fresh herb characters. It's a complex medley of appealing flavours supported by an ethereal texture and a lingering finish. A surprisingly accessible wine from an excellent vintage. Should develop well with bottle age.HK$3,325.00 -
The Real Review (98)
Concentrated, complex pinot noir with cassis, blackberry, dark cherry, violet, wood smoke and savoury/dried herb flavours. Accessible now but with a proven history of ageing gracefully. Elegant wine with impressive power.HK$2,820.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Lively and vibrant red fruits of wild strawberries and red cherries followed by rose hips, ground spices and a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied, finely grained velvety tannins with a delightful acid backbone. Zesty and layered wine with beautiful balance and complexity. It’s already enjoyable but will age gracefully.HK$3,465.00 -
Vinous (89)
This is Sauvignon Blanc made in a host of ways, hence the name Raranga, which means “woven” in Māori. There were parcels fermented in tank and in barrels, while a small proportion was fermented on skins, and a splash was whole-bunch fermented. After a couple of years, this is starting to shed its primary fruit and taking on characters of lanolin and oatmeal alongside citrus, pear and lemon tart. It has good depth and concentration and offers some interest texturally. The finish is clean and zesty although a little brief.HK$11,630.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018Vinous (89)
This is Sauvignon Blanc made in a host of ways, hence the name Raranga, which means “woven” in Māori. There were parcels fermented in tank and in barrels, while a small proportion was fermented on skins, and a splash was whole-bunch fermented. After a couple of years, this is starting to shed its primary fruit and taking on characters of lanolin and oatmeal alongside citrus, pear and lemon tart. It has good depth and concentration and offers some interest texturally. The finish is clean and zesty although a little brief.HK$785.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021HK$3,655.00 -
Decanter (96)
Family-owned winery Craggy Range was founded in 1998 in Hawke’s Bay, and the family has pursued a single-vineyard approach to winemaking. For this wine, grapes are grown on limestone-speckled stony soils in Martinborough. It is fermented in a mixture of oak and stainless steel followed by four months ageing in barrique. Roger Jones: A mellow, yellow wine with buttercups, green herbs and rosemary flowers, a silky purity and freshness. Stunning. Melanie Brown: The perfect collaboration of sweet fruit and vegetal aromas. Grapefruit, elderflower and sweet pea shoots, plus lively acid and purity galore. This is next-level elegant. Rebecca Palmer: Tart lemon-lime and whitecurrant notes with hint of spice. Silky texture, lifted by oak. Spice notes on the finish.HK$1,100.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This pinot has an x-factor that sets it apart. There’s an almost peppery edge to the violet, blueberry and red-cherry nose with sappy and earthy elements, as well as roasted game and fragrant baking spices. The palate has a very plush, attractive and fresh array of vibrant and detailed pinot fruit on offer. Long and precise. Drink or hold. Screw cap.HK$3,855.00 -
The Real Review (96)
Deepish, bright, youthful red/purple colour, with a lovely fragrant bouquet of red and dark cherries, strawberry and rose petals. It's complex and foresty too, but shows more primary fruit and perfume than usual for a young Escarpment pinot. Dried flowers, dried herb, savoury underbrush aromas. Very complex and profound in the mouth, with a very long carry. The tannins are in excellent harmony. An outstanding vintage for this vineyard. (70% whole-bunches)HK$2,800.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The full-bodied, rich 2019 Kupe Pinot Noir is a lovely example of how size doesn't have to mean a loss of elegance. Bold black cherry and plum flavors combine with nuances of cola spice and mocha to yield ample complexity, while the palate is plush and velvety, seamlessly extending through a lingering finish. While delicious now, I expect it will drink well for more than a decade.HK$2,500.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Intensely spicy and perfumed with concentrated notes of purple plums, cherry stones, rosemary, neroli, cloves, cigar box and ground coffee. The tannins are firm and tightly-knit, providing a solid frame to the dark fruit. Sensual and distinctive. Try this from 2024. Screw cap.HK$2,375.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)
I had to wait two hours for this wine to budge in the glass and reveal just a few chapters of its extraordinary flavour. Initially, this is a super-earthy, backward, and introverted Pinot, and if I were on a fly-by-style tasting, I would have marked it down as closed and incommunicative. It certainly needs time, but I am convinced that this is a genuine Grand Cru-level New Zealand Pinot, and I have not tasted many of these in my nearly four decades in wine. While the first taste was firm, unyielding and gruff, second and third visits revealed violets and plums, exotic hints, ravishing bitterness, and then, later, volleys of exquisite fruit and earthy. This is a desperately important wine for Escarpment, Martinborough, and New Zealand and will surely blow peoples’ minds. Just remember to be patient.HK$845.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)
I had to wait two hours for this wine to budge in the glass and reveal just a few chapters of its extraordinary flavour. Initially, this is a super-earthy, backward, and introverted Pinot, and if I were on a fly-by-style tasting, I would have marked it down as closed and incommunicative. It certainly needs time, but I am convinced that this is a genuine Grand Cru-level New Zealand Pinot, and I have not tasted many of these in my nearly four decades in wine. While the first taste was firm, unyielding and gruff, second and third visits revealed violets and plums, exotic hints, ravishing bitterness, and then, later, volleys of exquisite fruit and earthy. This is a desperately important wine for Escarpment, Martinborough, and New Zealand and will surely blow peoples’ minds. Just remember to be patient.HK$3,000.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5)
This is the most expansive Kupe I have tasted (and I am lucky to have tasted every release). Last year’s 2021 was a revelation; this year’s 2022 release is a more refined and distinguished creature. Before you read on, particularly if you are new to these wines, it is essential to understand that these are not heavy wines. As you climb the ladder in other portfolios, you often find yourself wading in a gloopier pool. At Escarpment, you don’t taste heavier wines, just those with Ultra HD, as opposed to regular HD! Like all the Pinots in this collection, the energy and impact of these wines are collectively interwoven to create complexity and resonance. 2022 Kupe sings, not like Brian Blessed, José Carreras, Chris Cornell, or any belter. It is Lennon, Elliott Smith, John Grant and other artisans (the female analogy is better, but I wanted to start with Mr Blessed because I felt a Pinot version of him would be hilarious), and the musicality, penetration, and not volume, coupled with flavour memory (not earworm, but smile-inducing toe-tapping remembrance) is what makes this wine so unique. With 42% new oak for 20 months, which I cannot see for the life of me, and sensational length and complexity, this is another super-star release.HK$2,760.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012Wine Advocate (92)
Pale ruby colored, the 2012 Pinot noir has beautiful aromas of kirsch, red currant jelly and warm cranberries with hints of potpourri, lavender and cinnamon. Medium-bodied, it displays great elegance and intensity with a slight herbal / stemmy edge to the long finish.HK$14,940.00 -
(1x75cl) 2014```htmlKusuda Pinot Noir 2014 is a masterful expression from the esteemed Kusuda Winery, nestled in the renowned Yamhill Valley of Oregon. Crafted with precision, this vintage benefits from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes grown in organically managed vineyards. The wine undergoes a meticulous fermentation process in French oak barrels, allowing it to develop its characteristic elegance and complexity. On the nose, Kusuda Pinot Noir 2014 reveals enticing aromas of ripe cherries, wild strawberries, and subtle hints of earthy underbrush. The palate is beautifully balanced with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, refined finish. Takahiro Kusuda, the visionary behind this exceptional wine, combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with innovative winemaking techniques to produce a Pinot Noir of remarkable depth and sophistication. Ideal for pairing with fine cuisine or enjoying on its own, Kusuda Pinot Noir 2014 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine wine artistry.
```HK$1,860.00 -
The Kusuda Pinot Noir 2020 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan’s esteemed Kusuda winery, nestled in the renowned Yamanashi region. Meticulously cultivated vines thrive in mineral-rich volcanic soils, imparting a unique terroir to each harvest. Handpicked berries undergo careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate balance of fruit and acidity. This elegant Pinot Noir reveals a vibrant ruby hue, with enticing aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, layers of red fruit intertwine with hints of spice and well-structured tannins, culminating in a silky, lingering finish. Kusuda's commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques ensures the 2020 vintage stands as a testament to their dedication to quality and finesse. Perfectly paired with refined cuisine, this exceptional wine embodies sophistication and the artistry of fine Japanese winemaking.
HK$10,270.00 -
(1x75cl) 2015```htmlThe Kusuda Riesling 2015 exemplifies precision and elegance from one of Australia’s esteemed vineyards. Cultivated in the pristine terroir of the Clare Valley, this Riesling is meticulously handpicked at peak ripeness to ensure superior flavour concentration. Under the expert guidance of the Kusuda team, traditional stainless steel fermentation techniques are employed to preserve the varietal’s distinctive acidity and vibrant citrus aromas. The wine undergoes a careful ageing process, allowing subtle mineral undertones to develop while maintaining its fresh, crisp character. On the palate, Kusuda Riesling 2015 reveals layers of lime zest, green apple, and a hint of slate, culminating in a long, refreshing finish. This vintage reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of Kusuda, renowned for producing fine Rieslings that consistently receive acclaim from international wine publications. Ideal for pairing with seafood, salads, or creamy cheeses, Kusuda Riesling 2015 is a quintessential expression of quality and heritage.
```HK$940.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Vinous (94)
The 2020 Riesling Kusuda from Japanese winemaker Hiro Kusuda is dry and pure. Despite its low residual sugar level (1.9g/L), the wine remains impeccably balanced. Expect tangy marmalade and lime, ginger and apple flavors. However, the wine's most intriguing element is its texture. It is a midweight style with excellent depth of concentration, which blossoms on the palate before clasping the mouth gently on the floral finish.HK$2,745.00 -
Kusuda Riesling 2021 exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese viticulture, meticulously crafted in the esteemed Yamanashi region. Handpicked from the finest Riesling grapes, cultivated on sun-drenched slopes with rich volcanic soil, this vintage benefits from Kusuda Winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices. The grapes undergo gentle pressing to preserve their delicate aromas, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to enhance purity and precision. Kusuda's meticulous attention to detail ensures a wine of exceptional clarity and brightness, showcasing vibrant notes of citrus and white peach, intertwined with subtle floral undertones. The 2021 vintage is aged briefly on its lees, contributing a refined texture without overshadowing its inherent elegance. Renowned for their dedication to excellence, Kusuda continues to produce Riesling that harmoniously balances tradition and innovation, making Kusuda Riesling 2021 a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
HK$2,820.00 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
Deep garnet-purple in color and replete with aromas of ripe mulberries, black currants and black cherries with suggestions of black pepper, bacon, tree bark and star anise, the medium-bodied 2010 Syrah offers just enough black fruit, savory and spicy flavors in the mouth and is supported by a low to medium level of rounded tannins, perky acid and a finish with good length. Drink it now to 2018+.HK$1,470.00 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
Deep garnet-purple in color and replete with aromas of ripe mulberries, black currants and black cherries with suggestions of black pepper, bacon, tree bark and star anise, the medium-bodied 2010 Syrah offers just enough black fruit, savory and spicy flavors in the mouth and is supported by a low to medium level of rounded tannins, perky acid and a finish with good length. Drink it now to 2018+.HK$8,865.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011Immerse your senses in the exquisite Kusuda Syrah 2011, a true benchmark of fine New Zealand viticulture. Expertly curated by master vintner, Hiroyuki Kusuda, this Syrah hails from Martinborough, a region ardent for its superlative terroir. The vintage benefitted from a superb growing season, producing a complexity that's deeply satisfying.
Kusuda takes an intimate, committed approach, meticulously hand-harvesting grapes from low-yielding vines. Following a scrupulous destemming process, the Kusuda Syrah 2011 ended its fermentation in French oak barrels. This delicate oaking adds hints of spice that's gracefully woven through the rich, fruity core.
As you sip, embrace a palate of wild blackberries, dark cherries, and soft peppery notes, framed by finely textured tannins and a lingered finish. Expect an elegant, balanced gulp with the vibrant acidity perfectly echoing the alcohol content. Undeniably, the Kusuda Syrah 2011 stirs the senses, epitomising a harmonious balance of intensity and finesse.
HK$8,980.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Experience the exquisite elegance of Kusuda Syrah 2019, a testament to masterful craftsmanship from the esteemed Kusuda Estate in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Handpicked Syrah grapes from meticulously tended vineyards undergo a gentle fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving the varietal's rich character and vibrant fruit notes. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, this vintage unveils layers of dark plum, blackberry, and subtle hints of pepper and spice, seamlessly integrated with silky tannins. Kusuda’s dedication to sustainable viticulture ensures each bottle reflects the terroir’s unique essence, while their unwavering commitment to quality is evident in every sip. Perfectly balanced and elegantly structured, Kusuda Syrah 2019 pairs beautifully with robust dishes, making it a prized addition to any fine wine collection. Discover the sophistication and depth that define Kusuda Syrah 2019, a remarkable expression of Syrah excellence.
HK$4,170.00 -
Kusuda Syrah 2020 epitomises the pinnacle of fine winemaking, meticulously crafted in Australia's esteemed Barossa Valley vineyards. Hand-harvested grapes are selected from old-vine Syrah plantations, ensuring depth and complexity. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine undergoes a carefully monitored maceration process to extract rich tannins and vibrant colour. A partial ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months imparts subtle nuances of blackberries, pepper, and smokey undertones, complemented by elegant floral aromas. Kusuda's master winemakers uphold traditional techniques while embracing modern innovations, resulting in a Syrah of remarkable balance and finesse. The 2020 vintage showcases the terroir’s unique characteristics, delivering a full-bodied palate with a persistent finish. Ideal for pairing with red meats or hearty stews, Kusuda Syrah 2020 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and refined taste.
HK$4,265.00
