One of the joys of working in a wine bar and shop is that you come across many new wines. Of course not all are good and they have to tick a number of criteria to make it onto the shelf and on the wine list. As a much loved past Manager once said - we have limited space on our shelves so every wine has to earn its place.
But throughout the year, a number of wines pass across my table and into my glass and I'm impressed and sometimes blown away by some aspect of the wine - the story, the region, the grape variety or simply that it is a delicious wine that I can't wait to put on the wine list.
So here is a compilation of some of those wines from 2025. Most are in stock and available to buy, some have limited quantities and some are soon to be no longer. If you are interested in some of these wines, I wouldn't hesitate to order a case or two - you will not be disappointed.
Cellar de Capçanes Mas Donis Blanc - A undiscovered gem!
We go first to Spain with this blend of white grenache and macabeo. This is a fuller bodied white wine with luscious stone fruit and bees wax flavours and a good backbone of acidity. It is one for Chardonnay or aromatic lovers but with enough crisp-ness to drink all through summer. It is made by a Spanish cooperative in a small wine growing region inland from Barcelona. Expect to see this on wine lists all over Auckland soon!
Domaine Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet - Flies off the shelf
We can't keep this wine in stock when we put it on the wine list. Picpoul ("pick-pool") translates to 'lip stinger' referencing its high acidity but don't let that put you off. It has lovely lime, green apple flavours and is both refreshing and more-ish. Great with Summer snacks such as prawns, BBQ seafoods and summer salads. It is a bright, unfussy wine.
Shop nowMillton Te Arai Chenin Blanc - End of an Era
While not technically a new find (I have been a fan of their wines for many years), the announcement that the 2026 vintage will be the last (after 40 years) was very sad news to read.
The Millton wines have always been consistently well-made, reliable and yummy with bonus points for being certified organic and biodynamic too.
My "It's only a Tuesday" pick would be the Millton Te Arai Chenin Blanc which is always a huge crowd pleaser when on our glass pour list. And if you love Chardonnay, definitely check out the Opou Chardonnay.
But if you are after something special then the Clos de Ste Anne Chenin Blanc Le Bas or the Clos de Ste. Anne The Crucible Syrah are a must try! We will shortly have stock of these in-store but in very limited quantities as older vintages are being snapped up.
Unfortunately if you do try these wines and love them - they will soon be in limited supply! Stock up now!
Bideona Cabezadas Blanc - A seriously great Spanish white!
Produced by a modern Rioja producer who is focused on single-vineyard wines, grown on old vines (70 - 80 years old) and made with minimal intervention. I could talk about the flavours of white peach and lemon peel and mention the texture and freshness of the wine, but I could also just say this wine is straight up impressive. Impressive price, impressive taste. Seriously, just give it a go.
Amoise Amphora Chenin Blanc - Give something different a nudge!
Departing a little from the traditional Chenin Blanc, this one is interesting and funky in a clean, pleasant way. Fruit notes of green apple, peach and honeydew melon with big textural energy from fruit soaking and aging in amphora.
Unfined and unfiltered with no additions. Something a little different to try but cleanly made so not too funky or scary. Grab one and try it now!
Eaton Grüner Veltliner - Snap this up while you can!
Showing some more love to New Zealand wine, Eaton makes some of my favourite wines. A father and son duo (Mike and Harrison) who make two lines of wines - Eaton and Melange wines (which have a more natural/ trendy feel). The wines are made from high quality parcels of fruit from Marlborough, which are allowed to ferment with natural yeasts and with no additions, filtering or fining. The Grüner Veltliner fruit is sourced from the Appleby vineyard, Waimea Plains, Nelson and shows gorgeous roasted pineapple, grapefruit flavours with white peach and a lovely intense bright acidity.
Heartbreakingly, we have just been told that these particular vines are being ripped out and re-planted with Sauvignon Blanc because New Zealand is desperately short of Sauvignon Blanc. While I joke here, I am truly devastated that this incredible wine will soon be no longer. So much so, that I have reserved every last bottle of Eaton Grüner that Mike and Harrison will sell me. It is not on their website anymore and I don't know anywhere else that has stocks of this wine! If you try one wine of this list - this would be it.
Huntress Waihonga - Orange wine at its best
Huntress wines by Jannine Rickards are a revelation and delight to everyone who comes across them. At our sold out wine tasting last year, our customers were absolutely captivated by Jannine's story, her commitment and dedication to the land and the creation of her wines.
One of the favourites on the night was her Waihonga Amber wine. Made with Pinot Gris left on skins for 17 days, the wine picks up extra flavours (and colour) from the skin. Orange wine can range from very light subtle flavours to super funky but Jannine has crafted a wine that is both approachable while still showing off the the flavours and sense of place in this orange wine. Orange wine is usually best described as having "negroni-esqe" or black tea flavours, Huntress Waihonga offers a more savoury fruit element than most, with more of a peach iced tea note and a full textural mouth feel. Definitely one to explore if you are curious
Albariño Brothers Albariño - Summer in a bottle
It can't be one of my lists without featuring an albariño. This one is a great New Zealand example of the popular Spanish wine. Featuring more golden fruit and full flavour than some of the Spanish Albariños, but with the same signature crisp, saline element coming through on the finish. The fruit for this wine is from Gisborne using two different vine plantings (from Spain and Portugal) grown on clay soils. This has featured a lot on our wine lists as it is a favourite of both mine and most of the staff. It is always really popular and great to see customers becoming more familiar with and embracing Albariño, both from Spain and New Zealand examples.