The 2005 vintage has been challenging for both red and white wines in New Zealand.

Quality is average to good and varies from region to region. White wine fared less well than red in the Northern Island, although the opposite is true for the South Island, where the unusually wet and cool weather has affected the yields and the ripeness of Pinot Noir (lower than previous years in Central Otago).

Most regions, in particular Hawkes Bay and Martinborough suffered from intense rainfall early in the season, however Sauvignon Blanc still managed to yield some very good wines.

This vintage can be described as a return to elegance and finesse.