{"title":"Waiheke Island Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eWaiheke Island sits in the Hauraki Gulf a short ferry ride from Auckland, and its warm, sheltered microclimate, drier and sunnier than the mainland, has made it one of New Zealand's most sought-after addresses for premium red wine. Bordeaux-style blends built around Merlot and Cabernet Franc lead the way, grown on small, low-yielding vineyards that keep production limited and prices accordingly high. Syrah performs well here too, benefiting from the same maritime warmth. Boutique winemaking dominates the island, with most producers working on a scale closer to a garden than a commercial vineyard. For Merlot more broadly, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/merlot\"\u003eMerlot\u003c\/a\u003e covers examples from every region we carry, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/new-zealand-wine\"\u003eNew Zealand Wine\u003c\/a\u003e covers everything else on offer.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-cachette-chardonnay","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Cachette Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Cachette Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fine, elegant Chardonnay that balances creamy richness with a fresh saline edge. Citrus blossom and lemon curd lead into brioche, nutmeg and gentle baking spice, while the palate is seamless, expansive and impressively persistent. Made from hand-harvested fruit grown in a single Waiheke Island vineyard, it gains distinctive texture from concrete egg fermentation before 12 months in carefully selected French oak. There is concentration here, but also freshness and restraint, making it a compelling choice for lovers of polished, layered Chardonnay. Pair it with crayfish in garlic butter, smoked fish pie or a well-risen cheese soufflé.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay was hand-harvested from a single Waiheke Island vineyard between 15 and 17 March 2023. Whole bunches were pressed in a vertical basket press, then fermented on high solids in a concrete egg using indigenous and selected house yeasts. The wine matured for 12 months in carefully selected French oak barrels from Saint-Romain in Burgundy, including 40% new oak, with methodical bâtonnage. The winery describes citrus flowers and lemon curd layered over brioche, nutmeg and baking spices, with a creamy texture, saline undercurrent and long, sophisticated finish. Alcohol is 13.5%, with 3.1 grams per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCandice Chow, 94\/100 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Concentrated fruit elevated by new oak and battonage, displaying a harmonious, creamy mouthfeel with soft acidity and enchanting oak spices to a lengthy finish.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling, 94\/100 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Wong MW, 93\/100 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018355567,"sku":"100329","price":479.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandCachetteChardonnay.jpg?v=1784781150"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-ecluse-merlot-cabernets","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Ecluse Merlot Cabernets 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Ecluse Merlot Cabernets\u003c\/strong\u003e is a concentrated, Cabernet-led red blend with the structure and savoury detail that suit Waiheke Island particularly well. Blueberry, black olive and dark plum are layered with violet, cedar, graphite, sandalwood and freshly brewed espresso. The palate is full-bodied and composed, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a generous finish that continues to reveal spice, tobacco and mineral notes. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, it is already showing attractive complexity but has the concentration to keep developing. Serve it with slow-braised beef cheeks, venison or a rich mushroom risotto.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single-vineyard fruit was entirely hand-harvested on Waiheke Island. Bunches were manually sorted and destemmed, with selected berries gently split before cold soaking in stainless steel. Separate parcels underwent wild fermentation or were inoculated with selected and house yeast and bacteria strains. The fermenters were hand-plunged up to four times daily, with some batches also receiving air pulses. Following extended maceration, the wine was slowly basket pressed and matured for 18 months in selected French oak. Components were individually graded before blending, and the wine was bottled without fining. Alcohol is 14%, with less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar, and the winery suggests cellaring for more than 10 years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCandice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 96\/100 (2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“Concentrated aromas of black plum, raspberry, cassis, dark herbs, cedar, leather, dark cocoa and meatiness.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCameron Douglas MS, 94\/100 and Excellent (2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“A lovely Bordeaux-style nose and palate with flavours of blackberry and iron sand, some pencil lead and tobacco layers.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018388335,"sku":"100330","price":527.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandEcluseMerlotCabernets.jpg?v=1784780674"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-pinot-gris","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Pinot Gris 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Pinot Gris\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied, dry expression that shows the richer, more savoury side of Pinot Gris. Grapefruit, autumn pear, wildflower honey and lime blossom meet gunflint, biscuit and subtle French oak, while extended barrel ageing and lees contact bring a creamy, silky texture. Vibrant acidity keeps the generous palate fresh and focused, leading into a long, dry finish with fine phenolic grip. Grown and made on Waiheke Island, this is a distinctive alternative to lighter, fruit-driven Pinot Gris and a particularly good match for smoked fish, grilled pork chops or almond-crusted trout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Waiheke Island Pinot Gris was whole-bunch pressed in a vertical basket press and barrel fermented on high solids in French oak using a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts. It matured for 18 months in 225-litre French oak barriques, including 33% new oak, with partial malolactic fermentation, regular bâtonnage and minimal fining. The winery describes aromas of wildflower honey, biscuit and lime blossom, followed by a creamy palate balanced by vibrant acidity. Buttery, yeasty notes and hints of French oak add complexity through the lingering finish. Alcohol is 12.5%, with 3.6 grams per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCandice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 93\/100 (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“This stylish Waiheke Pinot Gris is dry and textural with a rich, savoury expression.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018421103,"sku":"100331","price":329.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandPinotGris.jpg?v=1784780489"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-evoque-merlot-cabernets","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Evoque Merlot Cabernets 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Évoque Merlot Cabernets\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rich, polished Merlot-dominant blend from a single vineyard on Waiheke Island. Succulent red fruit and dark plum are lifted by fragrant Black Baccara rose, with warm spice, dark cacao and finely integrated French oak adding savoury depth. The palate combines generous texture and concentration with fresh acidity and delicate tannins, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the structure to develop further. Eighteen months in French oak brings impressive polish without obscuring the fruit. A fine match for Scotch fillet with Roquefort butter, slow-roasted lamb with pomegranate molasses or pan-seared gnocchi with sage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single-vineyard blend is made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, all hand-harvested on Waiheke Island. Bunches were manually sorted and destemmed, with selected berries gently split before cold soaking in stainless steel. Separate parcels underwent wild fermentation or were inoculated with selected and house yeast and bacteria strains. Fermenters were hand-plunged up to four times daily, with some batches receiving air pulses. Following extended maceration, the wine was slowly basket pressed and matured for 18 months in French oak. Components were individually graded before blending, and the wine was bottled without fining. Alcohol is 14%, with less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018486639,"sku":"100333","price":461.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandEvoqueMerlotCabernets.jpg?v=1784780137"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-merlot-cabernet-franc","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Merlot Cabernet Franc 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Merlot Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a supple, characterful red blend with an appealing mix of ripe fruit and savoury development. Red berries, field-grown rhubarb and lifted florals lead into toffee apple, dark cherry, cedar and blackstrap molasses, creating a layered profile that moves between brightness and richness. Soft tannins and focused acidity keep the full palate balanced, carrying the flavours through a long, composed finish. Made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on Waiheke Island, it is now at a mature stage and well suited to cured meats, glazed ham, mushroom dishes or a selection of soft, bloomy-rind cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot and Cabernet Franc were fermented in open-top stainless-steel fermenters using indigenous and selected yeasts. Extended maceration, regular punch-downs and air pulses were used to build flavour and structure before gentle basket pressing. The wine was then matured for 10 months in French and American oak, with three rackings during élevage, and bottled without fining. The winery describes red berry, rhubarb and floral aromas, followed by toffee apple, American cherry, cedar and blackstrap molasses. Soft, supple tannins and focused acidity provide balance and length. Alcohol is 13.5%, with less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018519407,"sku":"100334","price":281.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandMerlotCabernetFranc.jpg?v=1784780007"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-rose","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Rose 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Rosé\u003c\/strong\u003e is a polished, textural blend of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet varieties from Waiheke Island. Sun-ripened red fruit and delicate rosewater are joined by a subtle touch of exotic spice, with vibrant acidity keeping the palate fresh and finely balanced. Time in concrete egg and French oak adds structure and depth without taking away from the wine's bright fruit, leading into a long, mineral-driven finish. Its salmon-coral colour hints at the extended skin contact, while the dry, composed style makes it a natural partner for kingfish with citrus and fennel, or heirloom tomatoes with burrata.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was hand-harvested on 26 February 2025 from Waiheke Island and included Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet varieties. After whole-bunch pressing and skin maceration, the juice was cold settled in stainless steel and racked without fining into a concrete egg. Fermentation was carried out slowly with a selected yeast strain, with lees contact in the egg used to build texture while preserving aromatic expression. A further 40% of the juice was wild fermented in French oak barrels and aged with regular bâtonnage for added structure and complexity. The finished wine has 13% alcohol and 3.9 grams per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018552175,"sku":"100335","price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandRose.jpg?v=1784779862"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-syrah-viogner","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Syrah Viognier 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Syrah Viognier\u003c\/strong\u003e is a mature, savoury Waiheke red that still carries plenty of fruit and freshness. Plum, dried raspberry and red berries are layered with violet, dried herbs, cigar box, baking spice and black pepper. The palate is creamy and richly textured, with concentrated fruit, lively acidity and firm tannins leading into an elegant, savoury finish. Syrah provides the wine's depth and structure, while Viognier adds an aromatic lift. It is drinking beautifully now and makes a fine match for slow-roasted lamb, duck and pork terrine or truffle and parmesan roast potatoes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries were gently split to increase skin contact, with some whole clusters retained before a cold soak. The fruit was gradually warmed and fermented in small stainless-steel vessels using indigenous and selected yeasts and bacteria. Manual punch-downs and air pulses were used during fermentation before the wine was gently pressed in a vertical basket press and matured in selected French oak barrels. It was bottled under screwcap without filtration or fining. The finished wine has 13.5% alcohol, less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar and the structure to continue developing in the cellar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCandice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 93\/100 (2017)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“Rich and lifted aromas of plum, dried raspberry, violet, medicinal herbs and cigar box.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93\/100 (2017)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018584943,"sku":"100336","price":281.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandSyrahViognier2017.jpg?v=1784779685"},{"product_id":"tantalus-estate-waiheke-island-voile-syrah","title":"Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Voile Syrah 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTantalus Estate Waiheke Island Voile Syrah\u003c\/strong\u003e is an elegant, deeply flavoured blend of Syrah and Viognier from a single vineyard on Waiheke Island. Dark wild berries, blackberry and blue fruit meet violet, dried rose, clove, sandalwood and subtle leather, with savoury spice adding complexity. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, yet remains vibrant and composed, framed by fine tannins and a fresh line of acidity. Eighteen months in French oak brings polish and structure without obscuring the fruit. Already showing attractive development, it is a natural match for slow-cooked beef, spiced lamb or smoked duck.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Syrah and Viognier were hand-harvested from a single Waiheke Island vineyard. Bunches were manually sorted and destemmed, with selected berries gently split before cold soaking in stainless steel. Separate parcels were fermented using wild, selected and house yeast and bacteria cultures, with regular hand plunging and air pulses followed by extended skin contact. The wine was slowly basket pressed and matured for 18 months in carefully selected French oak, then graded, blended and bottled without fining. The winery describes dark wild berries, sandalwood embers, dried cloves and florals, followed by blue fruit, dried rose petals, blackberry leaf, leather and a delicate tannin grip. Alcohol is 14%.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob Campbell MW, The Real Review, 95\/100 (2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCandice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 94\/100 (2019)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“This velvety Syrah Viognier possesses a fine-grained tannins framework and a delicate, lively acid line, wrapping rich layers, spices and positive developments to a long lasting finish.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182018617711,"sku":"100337","price":461.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/TantalusEstateWaihekeIslandVoileSyrah.jpg?v=1784779439"},{"product_id":"stormwood-meritage-bordeaux-blend","title":"Stormwood Meritage Bordeaux Blend 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStormwood Meritage Bordeaux Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrown at Oneroa on Waiheke Island and made by respected local winemakers Heinrich Storm and Michael Wood, this Cabernet Franc dominant blend also brings in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for a wine with real Waiheke character. Bright purple in the glass, it opens with ripe red berries, subtle herbs and a lift of florals, carrying through to a vibrant, refined palate of juicy red fruit and supple tannins. French oak lends gentle spice and cedar notes, building to a long, savoury finish. Made in small volumes from handpicked fruit, it has the structure to reward a few years in the cellar, or drink well now alongside a good piece of beef or lamb. At 14% ABV, it is a serious, age worthy Bordeaux style red.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat the winery says: Stormwood is a small Waiheke Island project from winemakers Heinrich Storm and Michael Wood, both well known names on the island with decades of experience between them. This Cabernet Franc led blend comes from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon handpicked in early March from the Oneroa area, destemmed and fermented separately in open top fermenters with twice daily plunging. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak, thirty percent of it new, before eleven months of barrel ageing. The 2022 growing season was one of the best in recent memory on Waiheke, with a warm, dry, settled summer and well below average rainfall, giving fruit that was clean, concentrated and picked slightly earlier than usual. Only 144 cases were made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dhall \u0026 Nash","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182027759983,"sku":"100603","price":287.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/StormwoodMeritageBordeauxBlend2022.jpg?v=1783922812"}],"url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/collections\/waiheke-island-wine.oembed","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}