The first place on Earth to see each new day, Gisborne is New Zealand's 'Chardonnay Capital' — warm, humid, and fertile with alluvial valley soils producing ripe, tropical Chardonnay and the rare Gewürztraminer expressions that rival Alsace. Often overshadowed by Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | Warm Gisborne conditions; Chardonnay showing tropical depth and freshness. |
| 2023 | — | Outstanding vintage; Millton Clos de Ste. Anne among best in years. |
| 2022 | — | Warm season; biodynamic viticulture produced concentrated aromatics. |
| 2021 | — | Cyclone influence; biodynamic vineyards showed resilience. |
| 2020 | — | Strong conditions; Viognier particularly impressive. |
| 2019 | — | Benchmark Gisborne vintage; Chardonnay and Viognier both outstanding. |
| 2018 | — | Classic warm season; Millton biodynamic wines ageing beautifully. |