2025 Novum Rosé, Marlborough

Fantastic purity of fruit and delicious on the palate. Aromas and flavours of fresh red and yellow plum, melon and strawberry. A wine of as much texture as it is fruit, satin smooth with a backbone of acidity, super fine tannins and layers of lees driven mouthfeel. Lengthy and delicious.

94 points Cam Douglas MS

Novum is the small, hands on Marlborough project of winemaker Willi Bründlmayer? No, wrong hemisphere entirely, Carlos nearly drove the ute into Austria there. Novum is focused on small parcels and thoughtful winemaking, looking beyond the big volume style that made Marlborough famous. The Rosé follows that philosophy, with freshness, texture and savoury detail taking precedence over simple sweetness and fruit.

Marlborough’s long sunny days, cool nights and strong maritime influence are naturally suited to bright, aromatic rosé. The 2025 is firmly in the dry camp, with delicate red fruit and citrus rather than confectionery characters. There is enough texture through the middle to make it useful at the table, while crisp acidity keeps it refreshing and dangerously easy to pour.

Very pale salmon pink, opening with wild strawberry, raspberry and pink grapefruit, followed by watermelon and a touch of rose petal. Blood orange and fresh fennel add a more savoury edge. The palate is crisp and juicy, with red berries and citrus flowing through a gently textured middle before grapefruit peel and a subtle saline note sharpen the dry finish.

Prawn tacos with avocado, chilli and lime are bang on here. Tuna tataki with ponzu, grilled octopus, Vietnamese rice paper rolls or zucchini fritters with feta and mint would also disappear quickly. Our pick is the tacos, messy enough to require several napkins and refreshing enough to require a second glass.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2029.