Chateau Garage Lulu Rose

The New Zealand Rosé Wine of the Year winner! Geez, that’s got a nice ring to it! Judged by Masters of Wine Stephen Wong and Jane Skilton for The Real Review this seriously good bottle of wild fermented, Italian inspired Rosé from Hawke’s Bay took out the top spot.

Chateau Garage is the boutique wine project of Ollie Powrie, former Head Viticulturist for Villa Maria and guided by mentor and industry legend Sir George Fistonich. At the end of vintage Ollie would find himself with a small parcel of grapes that needed a home…they found a garage, Chateau Garage.

This 2025 release is a savoury, seductive Rosé made with a blend of mainly Italian varieties grown on the Dolce Vista Vineyard at the northern end of the Havelock Hills. Marzemino, Teroldego and Freisa combined with Sangiovese and Merlot, carefully pressed and wild fermented in numerous oak aged vessels with no intervention while aging other than the occasional barrel stir.

95/100, Top Rank Award & No.1 NZ Rosé (Stephen Wong, The Real Review)
“This is a fantastic example of dry, savoury rosé which works because it is balanced between the fruit, spice, complexity and just enough tang from acidity to keep everything in place.”

And what does Ollie think of it all?

“I’m so excited it’s been recognised for its deliciousness and it’s been really popular out in the market, at great restaurants around the country pouring it by the glass…it’s very exciting.”

Ollie doesn’t make large quantities of wine (maybe he needs a bigger garage) so do not miss the chance to wrap your lips around the No.1 rated NZ Rosé while you can.