Review by
Michael Cooper
Wine writer·New Zealand Listener·
15 Jan, 2026 05:02 PM3 mins to read
Michael Cooper has 45 wine books and several literary awards to his credit. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Subscribe to listenAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe now
SaveShare this article
Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.
Copy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInReddit
Te Kano in central Otago also makes also makes eye-catching chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gamay and cabernet franc. Photo / Getty Images
Some of Central Otago’s most distinctive wines flow from Te Kano Estate. Not only does it produce several pinot noirs, grown in different districts and sold at varying prices, it also makes eye-catching chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gamay and cabernet franc.
Te Kano is owned by New Zealander Keith Lloyd and
his California-born wife, Rhonda. The Lloyds live in Singapore, where Keith is group chief executive of Colchester Global Investors, but travel frequently to New Zealand.
Te Kano’s largest vineyard, at Northburn overlooking Lake Dunstan, includes the Central Otago region’s largest single planting of chardonnay. The Lloyds also own two sites at Bannockburn (complete with an architecturally striking cellar door), plus a winery and fourth vineyard in the Waitaki Valley, North Otago.
Te Kano (“The Seed”) wines are not cheap, but full of personality and well worth discovering.
Te Kano Northburn Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2022
★★★★½
Proof that the region’s sauvignon blanc can mature well, this lively wine is full of interest. Fermented in tanks and barrels, it is still crisp and vigorous, with concentrated tropical fruit flavours revealing a distinct touch of complexity, appetising acidity and a dry finish. (13% alc/vol) $48-$50
Te Kano Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021
★★★★½
This attractive, bright ruby red was estate-grown at Bannockburn and matured in French oak barrels. Savoury and harmonious, it reveals strong cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours showing good complexity, and a well-balanced, smooth-flowing finish. Certified organic. (14% alc/vol) $48
Te Kano Northburn Central Otago Cabernet Franc 2022
★★★★★
This impressive red was hand-harvested and matured in old oak barrels. Ripely scented, it is mouthfilling and supple, with concentrated blackcurrant, red berry and spice flavours, a hint of dark chocolate, good complexity and a seductive smoothness. (13% alc/vol) $55-$70
Te Kano Northburn Central Otago Gamay 2023
★★★★★
Gamay (aka gamay noir) is single-handedly responsible for the charming, floral, soft reds of Beaujolais, but this “serious” red could easily be mistaken for a pinot noir. Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant, mouthfilling and savoury, with strong, ripe, red fruit and spice flavours, considerable complexity, and gentle acidity and tannins. A top example of this rare variety in New Zealand. (13.5% alc/vol) $63-$70
Wine of the week
Te Kano Central Otago Chardonnay 2022
★★★★½
Approaching its peak, this regional blend was hand-picked and fermented and matured in oak barrels. Weighty, it has vibrant, concentrated, peachy flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, well-integrated oak, finely balanced acidity and a fully dry, very harmonious finish. (14% alc/vol) $37-$40
SaveShare this article
Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.
Copy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInReddit
Dining and Cooking