Wine columnist DENNIS KNILL gives his views on The Landing’s diversified range of wines.
Entering the grandest of gates in the middle of Northland, overlooking one of the most exclusive beachfronts in the Far North, is The Landing – one of the world’s most front-ranking wineries. Framed by manicured farmland, lush native bush and regenerated wetlands lies 35 rolling acres of vines that were planted with syrah and chardonnay in 2007. Other varietals soon followed with sangiovese, pinot gris, montepulciano, malbec, cabernet franc, and merlot.
Today, The Landing is recognised as one of the most successful boutique wineries in the country with several wine awards under its belt. In 2020 the winery opened a state-of-the-art cellar door where you can sample their wines and talk to Ben Byrne one of New Zealand’s rising star winemakers.
Each one of these wines has everything that you would expect to find in a bottle…
’22 The Landing chardonnay
RRP $52
Subtlety with power, this refreshing, full-bodied wine displays vibrancy and finely balanced herbaceous flavours that are rich and crisp. Pair with salmon, roast chicken, pork, and pasta.
’23 Boathouse chardonnay
RRP $30
This wine is bold and crisp with a good intensity of concentrated citrus flavours and a fresh acidity. Great value at this price. Serve with seafood, grilled fish, chicken, and pork.
’21 Madre chardonnay;
RRP $130
An outstanding premium wine oozing with rich characteristics that are lifted with ripe fruit and pure citrus that linger long on the palate. Pair with fish, prawns, and summer salads.
’24 The Landing pinot gris
RRP $35
This lush, mouth-filling, full-bodied and fruit-driven wine is crisp and dry and flavoured with layers of fresh citrus and zest that delivers great balance. At its best when matched with Asian-inspired dishes.
’24 The Landing rose
RRP $35
A bright quadfecta blended from four grapes crafted with fresh acidity and a fragrant floral finish with lots of intensity and flavour. Pair with smoked salmon, chicken, and hummus on flat bread.
’23 The Landing vino rosso
RRP $30
This unique blended wine is common throughout Italy. Alive with rich aromatics and concentrated flavours and grainy tannins that make for easy drinking. Best served with lamb, pork, and duck.
’22 The Landing syrah
RRP $52
Deep and rich in colour, this elegantly finished wine is smooth and finely textured with deep fragrant flavours. Designed for early drinking. Pair with game, veal, barbecue meats, and casseroles.
’20 Madre syrah
RRP $160
This carefully balanced earthy wine is dominated with ripe intensity and complexity and balanced with fine tannins. This is a stunningly good wine that joins all the dots. Serve with venison and roast beef.
