The calibre of wineries in New Zealand is so high, says wine editor Jo Burzynska, that selecting just 50 for Viva’s New Zealand Wine Awards is an “incredibly hard task”. For Viva’s 2024 Wine Awards, Jo has awarded some special categories among the top 50 wineries.

This collection showcases wines from NZ's finest wineries, and among Viva's Top 50!

Collection includes:

1 x Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2022

It is a youthful wine, evenly structured with emphasis on a fresh, food-friendly style and balanced palate. Stonefruit and citrus on the nose and palate with texture, character, freshness and a line af acidity through the palate. This wine is ready to drink on release and will continue to develop and fill out for 4 – 6 years.

2023 Bilancia Chardonnay was sourced from three Hawke’s Bay vineyards; two at Roys Hill; la collina and Trelinnoe, and a small component from Central Hawke’s Bay, Kaikora, at Ōtāne. The Chardonnay fruit was all hand picked, with each vineyard kept separate as ferments. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed with some of the juice run straight to barrels from the press and some to tank for gentle settling. The juice was fermented in new and older French oak. The wine spent 11 months in oak prior to blending and bottling; there was no fining or cold settling.

1 x Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2022

Awarded 93/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jul 2023

"Very impressive bouquet of purity, ripeness and completeness. Aromas and flavours of ripe white fleshed fruits and citrus, layers of gentle spices and complexity from barrel work. There's a fine lees quality layering in fine mid palate tannins and mouthfeel. A complete wine ready to drink from 2024 through 2029" Cameron Douglas MS, Jul 2023

Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. We are particularly careful in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for our Kumeu River Estate label.

1 x Millton Te Arai Gisborne Chenin Blanc 2022

With aromas of mango, tropical fruit, lime and green apple there is a mouth watering acidity complimented with a softening sweetness. Serve about 12ºC and allow to breathe for as long as you think best. Ageing potential is at least 10 years from date of release. Organic. Biodynamic. Dry style.

Alc: 12%

1 x Framingham F Series Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

Awarded 96/100 Points: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
Awarded 93/100 Points: James Suckling

"Pure, ripe, fresh, varietal, complex and new. Aromas and flavours of ripe organic farmers market cherries and black currant fruits, there's a fine clay mineral quality and layers of barrel spice with vanilla and clove highlights. Equally pure and vibrant textures from chalky tannins and a sweet acid line, and ajudicious use of barrel all leading to a lengthy complex and softly smoky wood finish. Great drinking from 2024 through 2034+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Aromas of white smoke, red cherries, bark & moss. Medium to full bodied with silky tannins and texture. Bright, sparkling acidity lifts upthe spiced & savoury palate. Dynamic. Seriously Tasty. Drink or Hold" James Suckling

Alc: 13.5%

1 x Quartz Reef Single Vineyard Bendigo Pinot Noir 2022

AWARDED 95/100 POINTS: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Immerse yourself in the captivating aromas of chestnuts, licorice, and eucalyptus, complemented by delicate toffee notes and a subtle hint of pepper. Experience a well-balanced palate that seamlessly blends fruit and tannins. Discover the elegant interpretation of dark cherry and sweet-tart flavours, enticing you to savour every sip of this remarkable Pinot Noir.

Alc: 14%

1 x Craggy Range Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021

AWARDED 94/100 POINTS: James Suckling

Deep red with a purple hue. Tremendous aromatic lift, with lavender and sweet cherries rising from the glass. The palate has significant density but a perfect balance that already encourages drinking. Again, so much energy in the 2021 wines but also a concentration due to the low yields. Delightful.

Alc: 13.2%