New Zealand’s Success Story

From small beginnings, the country’s wines have ascended to global prominence

Jules Taylor walks through the barrel room of Jules Taylor Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand, with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
At her namesake winery in Marlborough, Jules Taylor produces impressive Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs with her husband, George Elworthy. (Lisa Duncan)

New Zealand’s recently released vintages of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay display the distinctive terroirs and continuing quality of this ever-popular region. Read senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec’s tasting report to get scores and tasting notes for recently released wines, including standout bottlings and good values from top producers such as Jules Taylor, Burn Cottage, Rapaura Springs, Cloudy Bay, Craggy Range and more!

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

8 Outstanding Washington Cabernets at $50 or Less

8 Outstanding Washington Cabernets at $50 or Less

Explore Columbia Valley with new reviews of 2022 and 2021 reds that earned 90 points or more

Dec 9, 2024
7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points

7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points

Explore the French region's Fronsac appellation with new reviews of Merlot-based wines …

Dec 5, 2024
50 Years of Ridge Lytton Springs

50 Years of Ridge Lytton Springs

A vertical tasting of the hearty red blend spanned half a century and proved that Zinfandel …

Dec 3, 2024
7 Winning West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 91 Points

7 Winning West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 91 Points

Explore the U.S. West Coast with new reviews of Pinot Noirs from California's Sonoma and …

Dec 2, 2024
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Tracking the rebirth of South Africa’s legendary dessert wine

Dec 31, 2024
Australia’s Forward Motion

Australia’s Forward Motion

As quality continues to rise, the country’s wines reflect the diversity of its regions and …

Dec 31, 2024