New Zealand — wine

Nelson Wine Region

At the top of South Island; sheltered by the Tasman Mountains from prevailing westerlies, creating one of New Zealand's sunniest climates. Clay and gravelly loam soils; Waimea Plains and the higher Moutere Hills providing contrasting terroirs. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling all succeed. More textural and tropical than Marlborough Sauvignon; Pinot Noir more structured.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Excellent Nelson season; Moutere clay delivered Chardonnay of outstanding complexity and mineral precision
2021 Outstanding vintage; Neudorf Moutere wines from 2021 considered benchmark expressions of Nelson's potential
2020 Good growing season; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir both impressive; biodynamic vines showed resilience
2019 Classic Nelson vintage; dry and warm; Moutere Chardonnay from this year ageing beautifully with golden complexity
2018 Variable conditions; Moutere clay drainage proved advantageous; Neudorf maintained quality despite challenges
2017 Good vintage; Nelson's sunshine hours particularly high; Chardonnay tropical fruit balanced by clay mineral
2016 Superb Nelson vintage; Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from 2016 considered finest of the decade