Crack into 17 of the best red wines NZ has to offer from the New World Wine Awards 2023 Gold Winners. Pinot Noir, Shiraz & more. Affordable & delicious - ready for summer.
The New World Wine Awards judges some of the best red wines from across New Zealand and around the world. It’s incredible to see some local Kiwi vineyards hold their own against some well-established wineries from Australia, Europe and South America.
So if you’re looking for a bold, punchy Syrah, an intensely rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a gentle, fruity Pinot Noir, you can’t look past these 2023 gold medal winners.
Top 3 Red Blends under $25
Pair our top blends with these food recommendations:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are typically used in red blends, therefore similar food matches work well here. Although these wines can be powerful and substantial, they can also be gentler with elegant harmony and sophistication.
Red wine risotto with assorted mushrooms would be comfortingly delicious. The stylish beef Wellington with rich gravy works beautifully. Moreover, it’s a satisfying wine to finish a meal with aged cheeses and quince paste.
Chaffey Bros La Resistance GSM 2021
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Friendly, fun and suave – a BBQ delight.
The Fox and the Grapes Organic Shiraz Merlot 2022
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Organic and bright with red/black fruit spice and mocha.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Classic blend with silken texture and intense perfume.
Related article:
Read our guide to popular red wine blends.
6 best Pinot Noir under $25
Pair our favourite pinot noirs with these foods:
Pinot Noir is lighter in colour and richness than some reds but does not lack in power to enhance a wide range of dishes. Fabulous with duck confit with duck fat roasted potatoes, rack of lamb with herb crust and meltingly delicious slow-cooked pork belly. It can partner poultry as well as beefy casseroles, and the iconic pizza margherita is absolutely yummy with Pinot.
Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Wairarapa, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Impressive Martinborough wine. Plush, savoury and silky.
Madam Sass Pinot Noir 2022
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: "Sassy” with big attitude - a richly fruited, juicy and velvety wine.
Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A beguiling wine with lush fruit and universal appeal.
Montford Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Concentrated with exotic perfume, ideal for a dinner party.
Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Champion Pinot - textural, vibrant and exceptionally delicious.
Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Exquisitely fragrant and engaging, bright and stylish.
Related article:
4 best Shiraz & Syrah under $25
Pair the best Shiraz & Syrah with these foods:
New Zealand Syrah offers elegance and roundness, making it delightfully juicy and supple. Great with spaghetti bolognese, steak with black or green peppercorn sauce and meat-lovers pizza.
The Aussie version, Shiraz, packs more oomph and richness, ideal with BBQ veggies and meats, roast lamb with dark gravy and beef cheek ragu with pappardelle. The strong flavour of the wine is a great match for strong cheeses, especially aged cheddar and washed-rind cheese.
Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Australia
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A stunning value Shiraz with rich fruit and chocolate flavours.
Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Pure Syrah with sweet cherries and spices, showing elegant style and complexity.
Stables Hawke's Bay 2021 Reserve Syrah
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Friendly and plump, it’s succulent and silky-smooth.
Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Shiraz 2019
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Dark fruit richness leads the way to a long supple finish.
Related article:
4 best New Zealand Single Varietal Reds
Mrs Q Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Luscious, full bodied and velvety, with rich fruit and oak spice.
Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Splendid Australian Cabernet, weighty, rich and full of flavour.
Trapiche Pure Black Malbec 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Argentina
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Argentinian speciality - plumb and ripe with smooth edges.
Yalumba Y Series Merlot 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Textbook Merlot that is rich and silky with lush fruit and spice.
Fancy a glass of red?
Want to find more award-winning wines for under $25 a bottle? Take a look at our pick of the best New Zealand wines of 2023. Or, use our wine finder tool to search for a wine that takes your fancy.
Ready to try some award-winning New Zealand red wines? All of our Gold medal-winners are available online now from your local New World. There are limited quantities of some red wine vintages available.
Whatever the occasion, these award winning red wines are ready for you to share and enjoy.
Related articles:
Read our guide to Shiraz and Syrah wine
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Top white wines of 2023
5 of the best Pinot Noirs of 2023
Best New Zealand wines for under $20
Jim Harre - about the author
After studying viticulture and winemaking at Hawkes Bay’s Eastern Institute of Technology, Jim worked several vintages, both in New Zealand and Internationally as a winemaker.
Identified as having a very good palate for quality assessment of wine, Jim has been a major part of New Zealand’s Wine Judging competitions for over 25 years. Now a well respected International Judge, he works as a Chair of Judges in Wine Competitions in USA, Japan, China, Australia and, of course, New Zealand.
He is also regarded as a world authority on the effect of how wine perception changes in aircraft, a panel chair at the world’s largest competition; the International Wine Challenge, held each year in London; as well as Wine Consultant to Air New Zealand.
It is Jim’s love of education and teaching people about wine that makes him one of New Zealand’s most recognised Wine professionals.