Blank Canvas
Axehouse Vineyard Gruner Veltliner 2024 750ml

New Release

ACCOLADES

‘This impressive wine was hand-harvested in the Omaka Valley from “some of the oldest Grüner vines in the country”. Fermented in a mix of tanks and barrels, and then fully matured for 11 months in French oak puncheons. Bright, light yellow/green, it is a lovely wine, full-bodied and sweet-fruited, with balanced acidity and concentrated, peachy, spicy flavours. Drink now onwards.’      

5 STARS | MICHAEL COOPER MA ONZM | FEBRUARY 2026

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‘Complex and concentrated with leesy richness underpinning the lime blossom, grapefruit, celery salt and fennel seed flavours. The mid-weight palate is crisp and chewy with peppery phenolics adding interest to the long, tangy and savoury flavours. A twist of root spice and wet stone on the dry finish brings everything to a point. This is just starting to relax and will offer delicious complexity over the next few years.’

95 POINTS | STEPHEN WONG | JANUARY 2026 

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‘The clay-loam soils and excellent growing environment has delivered a wine of varietal power, intrigue and energy. Flavours of white spices and a touch of Szechuan, crisp green pear then apple, and a citrus almost sweet grapefruit quality. A silk touch on the palate leads to a textured wine with some fruit tannins, there’s a fine leesy seam adding texture and depth, a backbone of acidity and classic herbaceous highlights on the mid and back palate. Delicious, fresh, taut and very new. A wine that can be enjoyed today or cellared for 1 -2 more years if desired. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030.’

93 POINTS | CAMERON DOUGLAS MS | FEBRUARY 2026 

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‘Axehouse vineyard lies in the Omaka Valley. While the area is renowned for its pinot noir and coastal-influenced aromatics, grüner veltliner remains a rarity here, with these vines among the oldest plantings of the variety in the country. An immediately attractive wine, it opens with blossoming frangipani, lemon cream and white nectarine, the aromatics bright and inviting. The palate confirms its grüner veltliner identity, shaped by distinctive notes of radish and galangal root. Fleshy greengage plum and fine white tea tannins add texture and poise. This is a clear expression of Marlborough’s climate, paying homage to the variety’s Austrian origins while offering a more generous, approachable style. It will reward richly at the table, especially alongside artichokes, leeks, onion and other savoury vegetable dishes.’ 93 POINTS | SHANTEH WALE | HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION | MARCH 2026 

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‘Sensitively made, 2024 Grüner Veltliner Axehouse Vineyard isn't trying to be anything it's not. It does take a little time to open up, and I recommend decanting it for the best possible varietal expression. It then reveals rich apple, ripe citrus and that radish-like spiciness you want from a Grüner. Concentration and clarity are key characteristics of the 2024, but there's also a roundness and textural, pastry-laced aspect that comes from its 11 months of aging on lees in puncheons.’

From: 2025 New Zealand White Wines: Pump Up the Volume (Feb 2026)

90 POINTS | REBECCA GIBB MW | VINOUS | FEBRUARY 2026

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‘Crisp, concentrated, salty wine with classic white pepper and citrus/mandarin flavours supported by assertive acidity that helps to drive a lingering finish. Deliciously drinkable now but should continue to give pleasure for three to five years.’

BOB CAMPBELL MW | KIAORA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2026

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‘Florality with a twist, pepper, hay, an earthy/woodsy nuance, spice, peach. Fills the mouth, playing on the peach and pepper notes, now citrus, with a little chewy grip. Super balance and integration, crisp and dry with real energy and vibrancy. With air a hint of struck match and wildness, it all comes across as a serious example, while the dry, chewy grip would be great with food.’

MARK HENDERSON | OTAGO DAILY TIMES | JUNE 2026