2024 Blank Canvas Axehouse Vineyard Grüner Veltliner, Marlborough

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. Drink 2026–2033.

95 points Stephen Wong for The Real Review, January 2026

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. Drink 2025–2030.

93 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday wine Companion, March 2026

Seductive, showing lemongrass, Thai basil and pebbles. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. There is a vertical dimension at the center, with some lime influence in the mouthwatering, persistent finish. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

91 points James Suckling, March 2026

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. Drink 2026–2031.

90 points Rebacca Gibb for Vinous, February 2026

Husband and wife team Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson MW have been working with Grüner Veltliner in Marlborough since 2010 — longer than almost anyone else in New Zealand. The 2024 marks their debut from the Axehouse Vineyard in the Omaka Valley of Marlborough region. Farmed by Jonathan and Robyn Falloon, it is home to one of the oldest Grüner plantings in the country. Warm days, cool nights and clay-loam soils give the fruit a particular richness and concentration that sets this vineyard apart from earlier Blank Canvas Grüner sources.

The variety has an identity distinct from anything else in the white wine repertoire. It carries the weight and texture of Chardonnay, the aromatic lift of Riesling and a savoury, peppery character that is unmistakably its own. The Axehouse expression nods to its Austrian roots with white pepper and savoury mineral complexity while embracing the yuzu citrus and fruit precision that the Marlborough climate delivers. Measured oak lifts texture without dominating the wine's natural character.

Pale gold, the nose is aromatic and detailed with yuzu citrus, white peach and lemon pith and a distinctive white pepper thread and savoury spice. The palate is full-bodied and textural with vibrant acidity, mineral clarity and a long, focused finish. A wine that rewards attention and suits the table as much as enjoying a glass on its own.

This would be a great option for a big spread of vegetarian and seafood dishes. With a little bit more time in the bottle it would be equally at home at a Cantonese banquet favouring spring and summer vegetables and seafood.

Drink now through 2030.