NZ & International Other Reds
Seeking out lesser- known varietals is fun and rewarding, finds MARY-THÉRÈSE BLAIR .
We always expect so much from the ‘other reds’ class and while it rarely delivers in terms of the number of entries, it usually delivers something very interesting and delicious. Of course, as wine professionals our judges love to see the ‘other’ stuff as it represents the things that we don’t usually taste unless we actively seek them out. In New Zealand there are very few who can afford to distribute the less than obvious wines as it’s a costly endeavour and we are living in uncertain economic times. Those who seek out the weird and wondrous of the wine world are usually smaller players and in times of uncertainty the smaller players can be vulnerable when making fun decisions to try to impress the few who seek something a bit ‘other’. That said, we carry on, fully committed. The numbers might be small, but the results are beautiful wines that we hope you enjoy with gusto.
top NZ & International Other Reds
Mudbrick Reserve Montepulciano 2024 (Waiheke Island)
Seeing in Waiheke wine delight the judges so much gives me great joy. This tiny island wine region off the coast of Auckland has a maritime climate, naturally, and is renowned for its boutique wineries that excel at Bordeaux blends, stunning syrahs and gorgeous chardonnays. Turns out you can also get one hell of a Montepulciano there, too.
In 1992, determined to do something different, Robyn and Nicholas Jones purchased a lifestyle block on Waiheke. The land was bare but the views were breathtaking and so began the story of Mudbrick which has endured and evolved for more than thirty years. From the initial vines to a simple mud house to a café, decades of blood, sweat, tears and, most importantly, love has gone into the stunning landscaped winery, restaurant, bistro, wedding venue and premium accommodation venue that delights visitors to Mudbrick today.
If, anytime soon, you find yourself on the terrace at Mudbrick looking back to Auckland over the Hauraki Gulf , we recommend you select this stunning wine as your wine of choice. Massively coloured in the glass, a vibrant purple on the rim, the nose is full of sweet fruit, fresh greens and intoxicating spice. The palate is intense and vibrant with dense dark-fruit flavours balanced with subtle, well-handled oak. The palate is lifted and energy filled yet finishes long and luscious. Delightful in its youth, it has a very long future ahead for those who wish to cellar.
Star ratings for this tasting
- Excellent 1
- Very Good 3
- Good 8
- No Award 2
- Total Entries 14