Finding the right words to describe a vintage is harder than it sounds. With the 2026 harvest now complete for most New Zealand vignerons, Steve has been reflecting on three exceptional consecutive vintages for Hawke's Bay ... through the lens of a classic three-act screenplay.
This issue also brings harvest highlights captured by photographer Richard Brimer across our estates, including the incredible astral photo above taken at Low Burn Estate around 2am, Monday 13 April, and MJ draws some unlikely comparisons between discovering a new wine and the animated movie Shrek… we’re not kidding!
Plus, we share some wonderful reviews from Christina Pickard for Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points for Lion’s Tooth Chardonnay – and continued recognition from critics at home and abroad.
Steve Smith MW Natalie Grace
Editor at Large Chief Editor