Walnut Block Wines is the vision of two brothers – Clyde and Nigel Sowman. Together they combine their experience in viticulture and the wine industry with their passion for and appreciation of fine wine.  The result is a unique range of superbly crafted organic Marlborough wines. Walnut Block offers some of the best wine buys in New Zealand. 

The Walnut Block vineyard lies in the world-renowned Wairau Valley in Marlborough. Marlborough’s unique winegrowing conditions reflect a combination of alluvial soils, deposited over thousands of years from an ancient river bed that flowed between the mountainous borders of this valley, the region’s high sunshine hours and the temperate New Zealand climate.

Their decision to farm organically reflected theirs belief that they could grow grapes with a higher quality than those grown using conventional methods. As the vines have become more self-sufficient and naturally balanced we have seen a greater depth of flavour and improved mouthfeel in the wines.  The vines themselves can adapt to seasonal variations, which result in consistently healthy, and well balanced grapes.

Since 2002 Nigel Sowman, Walnut Block’s viticulturist, has studied and practised organics and has become a recognised authority on organic viticulture. Nigel is proud of the exceptional quality of fruit being produced using only organic practices.

Walnut Block has two ranges of wines; The Nutcracker range is their flagship brand and represents the pinnacle of Walnut Blocks’s fruits.

The Collectables series label has been proudly designed to bring some of New Zealand’s rich history to wine lovers. Depicting an adaptation of the 1898 Kiwi New Zealand stamp, the label is symbolic of New Zealand’s past and this young Marlborough wine.

Read the reviews:

NUTCRACKER PINOT NOIR

5 Stars

Jane Skilton MW, Winestate Magazine

A more restrained style of pinot noir but one that still has abundant interest. Smoky, toasty oak lies alongside crisp juicy red plum and wild raspberry. Bright and focussed with a lovely cinnamon spice finish.

90pts

Wine Advocate

The 2016 Pinot Noir Nutcracker is a solid, medium-bodied effort from a challenging vintage.  It’s defined by bright cherry fruit, but it adds complex floral, herb and spice notes like thyme and cinnamon.  The tannins are ripe and supple, allowing the finish to linger in the form of ground spices.

Drink 2018-2023

NUTCRACKER SAUVIGNON BLANC

90pts

Wine Advocate

With its atypically neutral aromatics, the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Nutcracker may not scream Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the nose, but it’s a lovely dry white wine for drinking over the next few years.  Its boasts ample concentration, medium body and intense white grapefruit flavours.  Hints of fig and cut grass impart enough complexity to keep you coming back from more, and the finish lingers elegantly.

Drink 2018-2020

94pts

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review

Full-flavoured organically-grown Sauvignon Blanc that was hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts. An appealing and quite gutsy style with capsicum, gooseberry, ginger and tropical fruit flavours.

Drink 2018 to 2021

NUTCRACKER CHARDONNAY

94pts

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review

Rich, flavoursome, organically-grown chardonnay with grapefruit, pear, citrus, mineral, bran biscuit and hazelnut flavours. Weighty, textural wine with character and intensity. An impressive chardonnay.

Drink 2017 to 2022

4½ stars

Micheal Cooper MW, Winestate Magazine

Certified organic, this characterful wine was hand-picked from 21 year-old vines, fermented with indigenous yeasts and barrel-fermented. Full-bodied and youthful, it is finely textured, with strong, ripe, peachy, biscuity flavours, complex and savoury, and a lasting, very harmonious finish. Best drinking 2018+. $32 (UK)

91pts

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Rich, ripe and fragrant, the gorgeous nose shows grilled peach, mango, vanilla and cedar characters with hints of spice and butterscotch notes. The palate is succulent and generously weighted, and delivers excellent fruit intensity and creamy texture, finishing long and delicious.