New Zealand Wine Month Sampler #2 - New Zealand Reds

New Zealand Wine Month
Sampler Pack #2 - New Zealand Reds
A $199 Value for $130

You're probably already well acquainted with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and possibly even other whites like their fantastic Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Rieslings, but few winelovers are aware that New Zealand produces some wonderful red wines too.  Pinot Noir, the world's most famous cool climate loving red varietal is the region's most popular grape, but there are many other grapes that do well there too.  Our red sampler focuses on the grape they do best, Pinot Noir, but is rounded out with a world class Syrah and a unique and delicious red blend we think you'll really enjoy.

Sampler includes 1 bottle each:

Vandal Wine Co. 2022 Combat Rouge (Marlborough, New Zealand) Vandal Wine Co. operates as a creative side project for three Marlborough winemakers who sought the freedom to push boundaries outside their daily responsibilities. This Combat Rouge is a fascinating, unconventional field blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Viognier. The fruit is sourced from both the Southern Valleys of Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, then subjected to spontaneous carbonic fermentation with 70% whole clusters. The resulting wine is unfiltered and unfined, offering a raw, vibrant energy with layers of sweet raspberry, forest floor, and bright cherry. It is a highly expressive, smashable red that prioritizes personality and texture over traditional varietal constraints.

Elephant Hill 2020 Syrah (Hawke's Bay, New Zealand) Founded in 2003, Elephant Hill is a family-owned estate on the Te Awanga coast, known for its ultra-modern winery and a portfolio that spans three distinct Hawke’s Bay sub-zones: the coastal Te Awanga site, the Bridge Pa Triangle, and the Gimblett Gravels. This 2020 Syrah benefits from low-yield, hand-harvested fruit managed with minimal intervention. The nose is sophisticated and fragrant, leading with notes of dark plum, black cherry, and a signature savory nuance of cracked black pepper and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is succulent and expressive, framed by fine-grained tannins and a focused acidity that provides structural integrity and a long, elegant finish.

Mud House 2020 Pinot Noir (Central Otago, New Zealand) Mud House was established in 1996 by a couple who fell in love with Marlborough while sailing around the world, eventually expanding their focus to the high-intensity vineyards of Central Otago. This Pinot Noir is sourced from the rugged, inland sub-regions of Central Otago, where the diurnal temperature shifts help retain freshness despite the region's concentration. The aromatics are centered on dark berry fruit, dried herbs, and a hint of earthy spice. The palate is balanced and approachable, offering a core of pretty briar fruit supported by gentle oak influence and a persistent, silky finish that maintains the reliability and drinkability for which the brand has become a long-time store staple.

Villa Maria 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand) Since its founding in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognizable names, consistently championing bold, industry-leading winemaking practices. This Reserve Pinot Noir reflects a rigorous selection process from their most distinguished Marlborough parcels. The wine displays deep, complex layers of black cherry, dark plum, and subtle floral violet notes. On the palate, it is remarkably refined, showing a velvety, rounded texture and a well-integrated oak structure that frames the concentrated fruit core, culminating in a finish of impressive length and precision.

Nautilus Estate 2019 Syrah (Marlborough, New Zealand) Founded in 1985, the family-run Nautilus Estate has spent four decades focusing on textural, site-specific wines in the Marlborough region. Their Syrah program is particularly expressive of the cooler maritime climate, where the long, sunny growing season allows for slow ripening and flavor development. This 2019 vintage is marked by lifted aromatics of blackberry and blackcurrant, complemented by intriguing savory undertones of olive and dried spice. The palate is defined by a soft, supple texture enlivened by bright acidity, resulting in a balanced, structured wine that captures the unique intersection of Marlborough’s alluvial soils and cooler-climate viticulture.

Blicks Lane 2022 Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand) Blicks Lane is a focused, small-scale project by the Sowman family of Walnut Block, created specifically to showcase fruit from a high-density, certified organic vineyard. Because the team avoids synthetic sprays and fertilizers, the vines develop a self-sufficiency that yields a distinctive, terroir-driven character in the glass. The grapes are hand-picked, chilled, and fermented with wild yeasts in open-top fermenters before being aged in French barriques. This Pinot Noir is vibrant and fresh, with a bouquet of ripe red berries, delicate floral potpourri, and a dusty, earthy core. It is an exceptionally stylish, nuanced wine with fine tannins and a clean, lingering finish.