Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Black Cottage Pinot Gris 2023 - Marlborough

Available from $17.99

This is fresh and vibrant Marlborough Pinot Gris from Black Cottage winemaker Sanna Stander. Vinted in a dry style, it’s a bright, clean expression with tropical fruit notes dancing over the main flavours of semi-ripe pear and quince.  In typical Black Cottage fashion, this is an elegantly styled wine considering the humble price band that it operates in. The crisp palate makes it appealing both as a cleansing aperitif or to serve alongside lighter foods and salads. There can be no denying that this wine offers very good value now and I will enjoy revisiting this 2023 release in a year or so when those subtle fruits have fully integrated and broadened the palate a touch.

Ant Moore A+ Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Marlborough

Available from $19.99

After predominantly focusing their sales efforts on offshore markets, well-known Marlborough producer Ant Moore have returned to their roots with renewed interest in local distribution. Their small batch A+ range remains the driving force for New Zealand retailers, with the 2023 sauvignon blanc a good expression of Marlborough’s signature varietal. On the nose this is a typically punchy release, with the tropical fruits and citrus notes that sauvignon fans adore. Those exuberant characters flow easily through to a very fresh and crunchy palate that brings some mineral elements into play, while the finish is salivating with plenty of citrus acidity. A subtle saline touch adds another layer of interest, and the lasting impression is balanced and vibrant.

Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay 2021 - Gisborne

Available from $52.99

Named as a tribute to the Irwin family who founded Matawhero, this is flagship Gisborne Chardonnay from a winery who are constantly stepping up their game. 100% barrel-fermented in a combination of French and American oak, this is a typically powerful Irwin from Matawhero. This is clearly a chardonnay that has been built for the long haul, and while it is already a wonderful glass of wine, there is a majestic outcome for those who choose to cellar this important Gisborne release over the coming 5-6 years. Those heady peach and baked fig flavours will amplify. The fresh acidity that is now apparent will fully meld into those punchy Gisborne fruits and the spicy oak and brioche notes on the palate will further integrate. If you’re a fan of premium New Zealand barrel-fermented Chardonnay, and Irwin isn’t on your ‘must try’ list, it’s time to refocus.

Beach House Syrah 2020 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $31.99

Beach House have developed quite the reputation for their stable of Gimblett Gravels reds and this quality syrah will do nothing but enhance that view. Produced from the excellent 2020 vintage, it’s a highly aromatic release with layers of spicy red and black fruits sitting over a central core of blueberry notes. Those classic syrah characters flow though to a boldly weighted, powerful palate that shows plenty of charm. To my mind, the palate weight here is near perfectly pitched. There is generosity and rounded mouthfeel, but the acid / tannin components keep proceedings in check and never let the wine look too confident or brash. If you can imagine ‘controlled swagger’ in a glass of syrah, this is what’s been captured here.  Lovely wine.

Bodegas Aragonesas Castillo De Fuendejalon Crianza 2018 - Spain

Available from $18.99

Here’s a wine where slick packaging is an obvious drawcard -  but while the glossy, paper wrapped bottles make such a bold statement, the contents within stand up to the hype. Produced from grenache and tempranillo from Campo de Borja fruit, this is very attractive middleweight wine showcasing Spain’s two most important red varietals. Grenache brings those famous glossy dark fruits to the party, while the red fruits of the tempranillo component contribute vibrancy, freshness and some extra zing. Spain does easy drinking red wine better than almost anyone, and this is a perfect ‘one size fits all’ option when you need something cool and different on your table, but you want it to be truly user-friendly at the same time.  Great value.

Helio Pinot Noir 2021 - Martinborough

Available from $39.99

This is a lovely expression of thoughtful pinot noir from the Helio 'passion project' conceived by Clearview winemaker Matt Kirby, his wife Sarah Little (ex Felton Road) and filmmaker / wine empresario, Dave Nash. When the stylistic direction of Helio Pinot Noir was being conceived, Martinborough was always top of the list of possible regional sites. The team wanted to capture those savoury notes that are a calling card of good Martinborough Pinot, and this 2021 release has gathered those classic, earthy tones in spades. Aromatically it’s very inviting with dark berry fruits, plum, baking spices and hard green herbs all making themselves known. The palate is bright and vibrant with those dark savoury fruits in full effect, and ably supported by fine tannins and a lovely line of integrated acidity.  Quality all the way here– and very well-priced by premium New Zealand Pinot Noir prices.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 28 Pinot Blanc 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $18.99

Pinot blanc is not so well known in New Zealand - but there have been some excellent examples produced here over the years, and this is one of them. Though it’s a white wine, pinot blanc is a genetic mutation of pinot noir- and is typically a floral, lightly spicy style with flavours in the apple / stonefruit spectrum and good acidity on the finish. That’s exactly what is on offer here – but some very attractive honeyed notes have crept into the palate, giving texture and presence to a 2022 release that already brims with confidence. Lingering spice notes complete a pretty compelling argument to add this wine to your collection. Match with white meats or creamy shellfish dishes for a winter treat.

LV Oaked Aged Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - Marlborough

Available from $22.99

Produced by Marlborough stalwarts Louis Vavasour, the LV range celebrates an ‘all guns blazing’ attitude to winemaking, and this boldly flavoured wine certainly walks on a different side of the street than the vast majority of its sauvignon contemporaries. Offered for sale in luxe, super heavyweight glass, this wine makes quite the statement on the table and that initial visual impression is backed up with a wildly complex example of oak-aged sauvignon blanc. You could describe this as ‘sauvignon blanc for chardonnays lovers’ – but it’s a much better wine than that simple description suggests. Look for layers of smoky grapefruit and citrus notes on the nose, complexed with toasty barrel and baking spice aromas. Those primary characters flow through to a very textural palate that’s full of interest and swagger. The finish is long and refined, and the overall impression here is truly satisfying. It’s been a long time since I have bought a six pack of sauvignon blanc, but one of these will be going home with me. Bring on a creamy, smoked fish pie for a match made in heaven.

Brunton Estate Golden Queen Chardonnay 2021 - Gisborne

Available from $14.99

If ever a wine tasted like its name, this is it. Produced from whole bunch pressed Mendoza fruit, this very sharply priced chardonnay explodes on the nose and palate with bottled Golden Queen peach characters. 2021 was a brilliant vintage in Gisborne and the optimal fruit ripeness achieved in the vineyards is here for all to taste. Full malolactic ferment has added loads of creamy texture to proceedings, and while some obvious oak influence has bought another area of interest into play, those bold, juicy peach characters remain the star of the show throughout. The wine was described by the winemaker as “Kiwi Chardonnay for American Chardonnay fans”, and its hard to argue with his perspective. Put a roast chook in the oven immediately.

Via Terra Selection Organic Garnacha 2020 - Spain

Available from $18.99

I have a long held soft spot for the easy ways of Spanish Grenache, and constantly recommend it as a value alternative to entry level New Zealand Pinot Noir - a category that seldom pushes any buttons for me. Glossy and bright, Via Terra is a rounded, silky expression of organic grenache that brings masses of red and black fruits and touches of green herbage and anise into play. Slinky tannins and good acidity further elevate this release above the rest of the pack, but the sheer ‘user-friendliness’ of Spanish Grenache remains the key attribute. This would be a great option to bust out when the gang gathers for a casual glass, or to match with a deli-platter or tomato based mediterranean fare. Great value.

Elephant Hill Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2018 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $29.99

Any Elephant Hill wine from their esteemed Reserve range is sure to garner my attention, but it’s always an added pleasure tasting their blended Reserve reds a few years on from harvest. 2018 was a solid vintage in Hawke’s Bay and this refined release shows all the benefits of bottle age, looking considerably more fulsome and detailed than it was on first release. Blended from 86% merlot, 9% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc from a combination of Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa fruit, it opens with plum and blackcurrant characters on the nose with a wonderful array of leather, tobacco, and wood spice adding a little bit of extra magic. Though broader and deeper now, the palate remains elegantly expressed, with supple tannins and soft acidity bringing things to a very harmonious close. Excellent, thoughtful wine.

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Zinfandel 2020 - California

Available from $29.99

This is a textbook rendition of fleshy Californian Zinfandel from the stable of wines originally produced by famed Hollywood movie director, Francis Ford Coppola. Now under the ownership of Delicato Family Wines, this 2020 release is a classic Coppola ‘Zin’ – boldly weighted, with masses of savoury cherry / strawberry fruits and rich Christmas cake flavours leading the charge. All sorts of spicy characters make up the second wave, with anise and pepper the main players. Though not necessarily ‘a big wine’ by Californian standards, there is still boatloads of action going on here – and zinfandel disciples will find plenty to enjoy here. Match with a spicy venison casserole or a fat, peppered steak to elevate it to a higher plane.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Rosé 2022 - France

Available from $19.99

This is a lovely example of modern Mediterranean Rosé from the Pays d’Oc region of Southern France. Vinted from grenache, this is a crunchy, vibrant expression with a textbook bouquet of red fruits, white flowers and citrus. The palate is just a kiss off bone-dry, and the central core of semi-ripe red fruits is balanced with a juicier element from those glossy grenache grapes. That ‘glossiness’ brings a luxe feeling to proceedings, elevating this 2022 release above the vast majority of the French Rosés I have tasted in this price band this year. Fresh acidity and a touch of mineral salinity rounds off the finish, and the result is both deliciously fresh and very well balanced – a perfect rosé option to enjoy with or without food. It comes highly recommended.

Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Nelson

Available from $12.99

Never fall into the trap of thinking that good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t have the ability to age gracefully. Two years on from harvest this lush 2022 Waimea release is looking particularly sharp and still has years of gas left in the tank. Personally, I far prefer Kiwi Sauvignons with at least a year’s bottle age, when that initial, overt acidity has dialed down a bit and the wine takes on a softer, less aggressive stance. That’s definitely what’s going on here. The zip and zing of Nelson Sauvignon remains in full effect, but the passionfruit and tropical fruits the region is so well known for shine a bit clearer with that racy acidity running less interference. Some subtle herbal and tomato leaf tinges add a complexing touch on the nose and palate – and there is certainly a lot of good things going on in the glass here. An absolute bargain for sauvignon disciples to seek out.

Calmel & Joseph Collection Chardonnay 2022 – France

Available from $19.99

The explosion of quality winemaking in southern France over the last two decades has revolutionised French wine exports - with Pays d’Oc and the wider Languedoc-Roussillon region responsible for a plethora of truly rewarding labels.  And it’s not just ‘Provence-esque’ Rosé making waves in the international market. Rock solid releases like this lovely Calmel & Joseph Chardonnay are gaining wide attention as a value alternative to the more expensive Burgundian options. From the 2022 vintage, this is a fine example of middleweight French Chardonnay with plenty of creamy palate weight and detail packed into the glass. Oak aging in seasoned barrels has added plush texture and spice to the wine, but those clean chardonnay fruits remain the star of the show. It's warm and friendly chardonnay with the generosity that New Zealanders are typically drawn to, while a touch of minerality on the finish brings a layer of extra sophistication.

Anciano Tempranillo Classico 2020 - Spain

Available from $16.99

The Anciano range, imported into New Zealand by the inimitable Steve Bennett MW, has a well won reputation with Spanish wine fans in the New Zealand market, and this juicy tempranillo is another Anciano wine to add to your must try list. Vinted from 30-year-old vines, this is a middleweight expression made for any occasion drinking. The inherent ‘user-friendliness’ of tempranillo’s spicy, fleshy red and black fruits is immediately apparent, making it a great ‘one size fits all‘ option to open on a mid-week night when you’re after something interesting and satisfying - but you don’t want to push the boat out too far. While this is technically a dry wine, those supple tempranillo fruits and mellow tannins mean you don’t need food to pour yourself a glass but match it with Mediterranean dishes for added enjoyment. Great value.

Theory & Practice Merlot 2020 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $16.99

Produced by respected Hawke’s Bay based winemaker Ant Mackenzie, this is polished, highly detailed merlot from the excellent 2020 growing season.  Notes of blackcurrant, plum, vanilla and graphite show on the nose and flow through to a silky, full-bodied palate that brims with character and charm. Touches of ‘pencil lead’ and sweet mocha bring complexity and further interest to the party, while the finish is long and fresh, with slinky tannins and layers of creamy acidity. This is good wine – and no one could argue that buying wine of this calibre under the key $20 mark is a godsend for fans of small batch Hawke’s Bay reds. Put a couple of bottles on the table the next time you have the family around for a classic roast and wait for the compliments on your wine choice to come your way.

Taylors Historical Collection Reserve Tawny Port – Portugal

Available from $68.99

A decadent glass of Port at the end of a memorable meal is a fast-dying ritual in this part of the world, so I wanted to remind you of the sheer joy that a glass of decent Port can offer.  The Taylor's Historical series is a collection of specially blended, cask-aged Ports presented in exclusive bespoke bottles inspired by historic bottle moulds.  ‘The Mallet’ is the third wine in the series and is an assemblage from Taylor’s extensive aged tawny stocks. Opulent, rich and mellow, it comes loaded with plum and raisin characters that are complexed with oak spice and cashew / hazelnut notes. It fills every crevice of your palate with these flavours – with a warming finish that moves into the caramel, sweet toffee spectrum. Match with roasted nuts and hard cheeses at the end of the night and wait for the angels to chime in.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

The BoneLine Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Waipara

Available from $28.99

If you’re looking for a new sauvignon blanc to try, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for something extra good, this 2023 release from The Boneline gets two thumbs up from me. I have a long-held love affair with the aromatic wines of North Canterbury’s Waipara sub-region. Fruit from this special place carries a generosity and lushness that few other places in New Zealand can match - and while this Boneline Sauvignon has been fermented to dry, those juicy Waipara fruits shine like a diamond here. Partial fermentation in seasoned oak has added extra weight and texture, but the tropical flavours the world loves in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are kept fresh and pristine. Some herbal tinges and mineral salinity add a complex touch on the finish. The fruit / acid balance is very harmonious. Everything is pushing in the same direction. This is lovely wine from a quality producer, and well worth seeking out.

Waimea Sauvignon Gris 2023 - Nelson

Available from $19.99

Sauvignon gris has its spiritual home in Bordeaux, where it was discovered as a clonal mutation of sauvignon blanc. It has a pink tinge to the grapes – like pinot gris - and in our local vineyards it typically produces crisp, dry wines that are full of vibrant fruit characters, but without the overt exuberance that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is so famous for. This example from Waimea certainly follows those guidelines, adding plenty of crisp apple and white stonefruits to a palate that is complemented with herbal and white flower aromas. Texturally, it carries a bit more palate weight than the ubiquitous sauvignon blanc model, and this example has a nice waxy, honeysuckle note that adds an extra bit of magic. A soft line of fresh acidity rounds things out, and if you’re looking for a sauvignon blanc alternative, this delicious wine is well worth a punt. Match with a deli-platter laden with soft cheeses the next time the gang call around.

Empirical Chardonnay 2019 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $29.99

Here’s a real showstopper. Produced by the international Constellation Brands conglomerate, this is an all-out attempt to capture the power that Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay is capable of. Certainly, the heavy, tissue-wrapped bottles and lavishly embossed labels create a big first impression – and the palate lives up to the hype with a tour de force display of small batch chardonnay winemaking. The nose is full of the classic characters of barrel fermented chardonnay. It’s loaded with lemon, sizzled butter, and yeasty characters with some reductive gun smoke / flinty notes and obvious oak spice adding complexity. The palate is full-bodied and looking very harmonious 5 years on from harvest – but maintains a good sense of dignity and isn’t too ‘showboaty’ or over the top. This luxuriously framed Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay is sure to find an adoring audience with ‘old school’ chardonnay fans. That includes me, by the way. I grabbed a six pack.

Cognoscente Pinot Noir 2020 - Marlborough

Available from $16.99

Well-known Hawke’s Bay Winemaker Ant Mackenzie has a knack for putting lots of flavour in the wines he oversees, and this 2020 Marlborough Pinot Noir is another release that carries his signature touch. It’s a broody and savoury release that, in my book, could easily be confused for an upper end Martinborough label. It’s full of dark cherry and game flavours with some darker black and blue fruit characters entering the conversation as the wine moves through the mouth. Elements of baking spice and hard green herbs bring in some extra interest, and sit above a supple palate that flows with good weight and plenty of ready charm. Excellent value. 

Azabache Organic Rioja 2020 - Spain

Available from $21.99

You have to love a good Rioja. It’s such a lovely ‘one size fits all’ wine style that brings the sheer user-friendliness of tempranillo to centre stage – and in this case Azabache adds a supporting act of garnacha and graciano into the performance. This 2020 release is very aromatic with layers of spicy dark fruits, oak and toasted nuts on the nose. Those flavours transition to a dry, medium-bodied palate that sees lots of tannin and acid action, and a satisfying finish that really goes the distance.  Those firm tannins make this a wine that should be enjoyed with food, and this solid expression would be a fine match for hearty mediterranean dishes - or hard cheese at the end of a meal.

Calmel and Joseph Collection Syrah 2022 - France

Available from $19.99

This is very rewarding southern French Syrah from Calmel and Joseph - who have been making wine in the Languedoc-Roussillon sub region since 1995. This is an instantly appealing, unashamedly modern style with lots of sweetly ripe flavours framed in a very generous, rounded palate that brims with strawberry, blackberry and spicy dark fruits. I picked up some subtle mocha and vanilla hints in the mix, but more obvious is a creamy texture that brings a luxe character not normally seen in French reds at this price point. The tannins are integrated and softly expressed, making this a lovely choice for casual, any occasion drinking – especially when you are looking for something truly satisfying but don’t want to push the boat out too far.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Decibel Giunta Pinot Gris 2022 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $15.99

Let’s kick off this column with a great value offering from Decibel’s, Dan Brennan. Vinted in a very attractive, fragrant style, this 2022 Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris is a zesty, friendly release that brings classic flavours of pear, apple and nectarine to the party. Initially crunchy and dry, the conversation widens to a juicier state with a subtle hint of fruit sweetness adding a luxe touch to the mid-palate. The finish is long and bright, with those off-dry pear and citrus characters ever present. I really liked how this wine shows plenty of varietal character and texture but remained fresh and light in the mouth – and the cool labels complete a compelling argument to get on board. It comes highly recommended.

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Marlborough

Available from $16.99

As I have said many times, sauvignon blanc drinkers are blessed in this country. There aren’t many wine categories around the globe where buyers can pick up a world class example of their favourite varietal for well under twenty dollars, but we have a plethora of great options to choose from – and the 2023 Wairau River is one option in banging form. Quality sauvignon blanc is all about exuberant tropical fruits, great texture and a magical balance between those punchy fruits and the acid component. When everything comes together – as they have with this release – the total far exceeds the sum of its parts.  Throw in a lick of mineral complexity and it’s all on. Match with a pot of freshly steamed mussels spiked with chili and ginger for a classic Marlborough combo.

Zaria Chardonnay 2022 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $32.99

Zaria is a small Hawke’s Bay producer gaining a real following for their well-made, thoughtful wines. Befitting their boutique status, their wines typically have a ‘hand-crafted’ feeling about them and this lovely 2022 chardonnay was certainly a pleasure to taste. Barrel-fermentation in French oak (20% new) and full malolactic ferment has brought weight and texture to this wine, but freshness and vibrancy remain the calling cards here. Stonefruit and grapefruit characters dominate the nose and palate – and those tangy grapefruit flavours drive things towards a long finish that combines some creamy elements under that solid citrus core. It’s a thoroughly modern expression and a credit to winemaker Bryce Edmonds and his team. For such a young wine, it’s already looking quite harmonious but tuck a few bottles away for a few years and some magic is sure to unfold.

Wine Gringo Grenache Nouveau 2023 - Australia

Available from $14.99

Though Kiwis have been a bit slow on the uptake, lighter-bodied chilled red wines are becoming mainstream in global markets, as buyers discover the simple joys of this deliciously satisfying wine style. Produced from South Australian Grenache, Wine Gringo would be an excellent place to start on your chilled red journey. It’s a fleshy, flowing release that showcases the natural cherry and sweet plum flavours of grenache without the tannin and acidity you would normally associate with this varietal. Glossy mouthfeel and sheer drinkability is the order of the day here, and the secret is to serve the wine chilled but not too cold. I’d put a bottle in the fridge half an hour before you need it – and serve it as an aperitif with a sunny autumn lunch. Expect to watch that initial skepticism on your guests’ faces fade into nods of appreciation. Happy days. 

Little Giant Grenache 2022 - Australia

Available from $21.99

Playing the grenache model with a significantly straighter bat than Wine Gringo, is this excellent release from Little Giant – a wildly popular label produced under the watchful eye of South Australian wine empresario, Corey Ryan. Vinted from McLaren Vale fruit, this is a full-bodied, rounded wine with those glossy dark grenache fruits in full effect. As the Aussies say, ‘grenache delivers what pinot noir promises’ and if you think of this wine like an amplified version of broody, old school Central Otago Pinot Noir, you’re on the right track. It’s plush and juicy. It’s dark and attractive. And it’s a wine style that needs more exposure in the New Zealand market. I am a longstanding fan of McLaren Vale Grenache, and whenever I pour a glass for friends, the comments are always positive. Throw in the cute squat bottles, and you can’t go wrong here.

Badia al Colle Appasssimento Puglia IGT 2021 - Italy

Available from $19.99

It’s always good to finish these columns with a bit of a showstopper, and this 2021 Puglia blend certainly foots that bill. A full-bodied, very generous amalgam of negroamaro (80%) and primitivo, this wine come from the Apulia region in Southern Italy.  Those sultry, dark flavours of negroamaro have been further concentrated with the addition of a sun-dried fruit component – while the primitivo aspect of the blend brings brighter red fruits and plenty of spice. It’s a recipe that works particularly well. Those appassimento / sun-dried flavours bring a rich, dark caramel character on the palate – and they act as a natural counterpoint to the tannins on the finish. A hint of vanillin oak adds another layer of decadence as the wine moves through the mouth, but the lasting impression here is all Italian power and grace. If you’re looking for a well-priced, powerful European red to accompany a hearty main course, this would be a brilliant option.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Blackenbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Nelson

Available from $19.99

The Schwarzenbach family has been producing wine in Nelson under the Blackenbrook masthead since the early 2000s, and I have always been a fan of their ‘stay small and improve quality’ approach.  Given their geographical position, sauvignon has long been a trump card for the Blackenbrook team, and the house style is a fairly serious one – dry, and tight with pronounced minerality and bright acid structure. Certainly, those characteristics are there in full effect with this very good 2023 release. Throw in some punchy, regional tropical fruits, a touch of salinity and an undercard of green herbage, and there’s plenty to like here. It’s an expression that needs food to be seen at its best – with fresh shellfish an obvious choice. Give that combo a crack on a sunny autumn afternoon and wash the worries of the world away.

Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $23.99

Famously named after the Waihopai spy base that’s just down the road from the winery, Spy Valley have carved out an enviable reputation for their energetic wines – with a brace of aromatic whites leading the charge. Just a kiss off-dry, this 2022 release is a fine representation of modern Marlborough Pinot Gris. It shows an amalgam of semi-ripe pear and zingy ginger flavours wrapped up in a plush palate that has rounded weight and mouthfeel. The finish has good length and softly expressed acidity - with those spicy ginger and juicy pear characters present all the way. I’d love to try a bottle with a baked smoked salmon– especially one that has been elevated with a spicy miso glaze. (Note to self: this weekend!)

Whitehaven Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 - Marlborough

Available from $23.99

Produced from a blend of Southern Valleys and Raupara Pinot Noir fruit, this dry rosé is a typically refined effort from Whitehaven. The colour is wonderful. With so many New Zealand producers going down a Provence lookalike / ‘pale as possible’ rabbit hole, it’s nice to see some inviting colour in the glass – and this 2023 release radiates with inviting salmon hues. It’s equally inviting on the nose with notes of red summer fruits to the fore, while the palate shows crunchy red fruits in the strawberry, cranberry and watermelon spectrum. Some subtle touches of baking spice complex the palate, but this wine remains all about those dry red fruits and the long, fresh finish line they wander towards. It’s delicious.

Doctors Flat Pinot Noir 2020 - Central Otago

Available from $56.99

This is excellent small batch, organic pinot noir from well-known Central Otago winemaker, Steve Davies. Vinted from a tiny 3ha block in Bannockburn, everything about this wine has been micro-managed to extract the full potential of a special growing site. The 2020 is another excellent effort; a polished, savoury wine that shows classic dark cherry flavours with lovely palate flow and underlying touches of oak and fruit spice. For such a young wine, the finish is wonderfully soft and velvety – but don’t let that fool you. Though already looking very integrated and complete, this wine has been vinted to go the distance. Cellar over the coming decade for added complexity and the chance to see those Central Otago Pinot Noir fruits develop some darker, secondary magic. Great value – and an absolute steal by global pinot noir standards. 

Bonpas Dames de Bonpas Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu 2021 - France

Available from $24.99

On the subject of outright bargains, here is another wine that completely outperforms its price point – in fact it’s hard to understand how Cotes du Rhone of this calibre can come halfway around the world and be sold here in New Zealand for under $30. Grenache dominant, with a healthy dose of syrah rounding out the blend, this is deeply savoury Rhone red with lots going on the glass. Those exuberant, glossy grenache flavours have been dialed down to showcase their more serious side, while the syrah component adds structure, length and dryness to the conversation. It’s packed with cherry and spicy plum flavours and the tannins are long and fine. It’s one of those wines that effortlessly straddles the gap between pure pleasure and savoury, structured charm – a real gem that is sure to take your palate to a higher plane. I bought a case.

Some Young Punks Passion by Punks Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - Australia

Available from $18.99

The funky name and pulp fiction labels may lead you to think you’ll be walking on the wild side of the street, but Some Young Punks collaborators Col McBryde and Jen Gardner, take the winemaking side of their craft very seriously than their branding suggests. They have carved out a real name for themselves in the South Australian scene, and this delightful, small batch McLaren Vale blend has been given all the love and attention in the vineyard and winery. Dominated by shiraz (85%) this is lush, fulsome red with plenty of swagger and confidence. The cabernet component brings dryness and some nice tobacco herbal hints to the finish, but that driving shiraz percentage is always centre stage. This is smart, well-made Aussie red. Match with hearty roasted meats and vegetables as we head into the cooler months. You’ll be very pleased you did.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Vilaura Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionelle 2019 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $59.99

It takes a lot of pluck to enter the rarified world of elite, New Zealand sparkling wine at any stage of your winemaking career, but launching a new brand with a $60 price tag for your first offering simply has to be applauded. Founded by Jascha Oldham-Selak and Sanne Witteveen, Vilaura has positioned itself as a methode traditionelle specialist and their inaugural 2019 release has set the bar very high indeed. Produced from 100% Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, this is a richly weighted, bone-dry style that marries stonefruit, apple and citrus characters with underlying brioche / yeast flavours. It’s a complex, vibrant wine with layers of fine acidity and a finish that goes the distance. Given the price point, comparisons with Champagne are always going to happen, but Vilaura have front-footed this discussion with luxe packaging and a clear desire to maximise every detail of their production process. I take my hat off to them, and wish them every success. It’s a hard game they’re playing, and ambition of this level deserves strong support. Bravo.

Bijou Terre de Providence Rose 2023 - France

Available from $16.99

OIn a sea of pale Mediterranean Rosés, it takes a little bit of magic to stand out from the crowd and this 2023 Pays d’Oc release from Bijou brings both value for money and sheer deliciousness to the table. Vinted from grenache, this is a finely structured, dry wine with layers of tangy red summer fruits and a palate that is tinged with moreish mineral / saline notes. As you’d expect from rosé at this price point, it’s relatively uncomplicated and quite straightforward - but that light, easy drinking nature and crisp, crunchy palate is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a perfect aperitif to kick off a long autumn lunch, but doesn’t need food to be seen at its best. Great buying.

Awakohu Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $12.99

Here’s a complete bargain. The calibre of sauvignon blanc emanating from Marlborough constantly climbs new heights, as growers and winemakers refine their processes and fine tune their craft. If you are prepared to avoid the usual ‘price fighter’ suspects and do your homework, there are some wonderful, very affordable labels on the market that defy their retail asking prices - and this is one of them. Vinted from fruit harvested from the central Wairau Plain and in the Waihopai sub-regions, this classic sauvignon opens with an exuberant nose of white stonefruits and sweet citrus. The palate is succulent and awash with the flavours that dominate the bouquet. It shows real weight and presence in the mouth before those zesty acids round out the finish – leaving the mouth salivatingly fresh. Truly satisfying wine – and cheap as chips.  What’s not to like about that ?!

Shelter Bay Pinot Noir 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $13.99

Carrying on with the bargain theme, here is another out and out winner that fights well above its weight. Vinted primarily for the export market, Shelter Bay has clearly been given the love and attention that would normally be reserved for wines that retail in the $25-$30 bracket. Aromatic and very enticing on the nose, this plush release shows layers of dark cherry that are complexed with earthy mushroom notes, fine tannins and nicely integrated spices. That rounded, fulsome palate came as quite a shock give the humble price point this wine sits at – making it a perfect option when you are looking for a glass of truly satisfying pinot noir, but don’t want to push the boat out too far. What a little gem this is. It’s one of the best ‘quaffer’ level pinot noirs I have tasted and, accordingly, it is highly recommended. 

Peregrine Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago 

Available from $49.99

A recent tasting of the Peregrine portfolio reiterated in my mind what a solid producer they are, and this excellent 2021 pinot noir was a terrific way to complete a review of their wines.  The nose was redolent with the aromas of Central Pinot – black cherry, plum, and stewed dark fruits mingled with notes of thyme / green herbage and the slightest hint of oak spice. The palate was supple and quite sumptuously weighted with touches of game, olive and baking spice entering the conversation – but the lasting impression here is harmonious and very balanced. I loved the way the finish had such softly expressed acidity - adding another layer of sumptuousness to this very complete expression of modern, Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Vieille Mule Rouge 2020 – France

Available from $21.99

From an area once known for insipid, bulk wines, the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France has become a hotbed of vinous value – and home to some of most user-friendly wines on the palate. Vinted from 100% old vine grenache by well-known negociant Jeff Carrel, this is a broody, darky fruited example of full-bodied grenache with plenty of grunty, serious character. Grenache at its simplest can be a glossy amalgam of juicy black and red fruits, but here we find heightened layers of savoury palate weight and loads of tannic structure. That sense of drive and purpose elevates this wine to a much higher plane, and anyone looking for a well-made, interesting red wine to enjoy with a hearty dinner should be drawn to this 2020 release.  I loved it - and can say with some authority it’s a banging match with rosemary spiked roasted lamb. It’s well worth a punt. Trust me.

Welcome back to a new year of my vinous ramblings. As always, I’ll try and keep things informative and as down to earth as possible and give you a few good reasons to seek out the wines I am recommending. It’s always irked me that so much of the New Zealand wine press has traditionally focused on products that sit well outside the comfort zone of the average buyer, so I will continue to predominantly write about wines that fit within an affordable price band. If I can convince readers to step outside their stable of tried and true favourites and chance their arm on something new, I will consider my job here is done.

Perrin La Vielle Ferme Rose 2022 – France

Available from $19.99

Perrin are one of the great Southern Rhone producers, with a worldwide following for both their fine  made Rhone wine, and this 2022 release will be very appealing to fans of dry French Rosé. Vinted from a blend of cinsault, grenache and syrah, it is bright and fresh in the classic southern Rhone tradition but brings more savoury flavours and some tannic structure to the party. The cinsault component kicks in some saline notes and stony minerality, but the lasting impression here are those crunchy red fruits and that lovely, lingering acidity. Like most Rhone Rosés, it’s better with food. Match with a long summer lunch, or with a drinks platter as you watch the sun go down.

Ara Resolute Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Marlborough

Available from $16.99

Contrary to popular opinion, well-made New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can age gracefully for up to a decade, and 3 years on from harvest, this 2021 release from Ara is looking in very fine form. This is quality wine, that has enjoyed plenty of attention in the winery. Partial fermentation in large, seasoned German oak Fuder barrels has added weight and texture to the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon model, but those regional passionfruit, citrus, capsicum and green herb flavours shine through from start to finish. I like how the acidity has dialed down over time, and though this wine remains unmistakably vibrant and fresh, those racier notes on the finish show in a softer light in 2024. If you typically find Marlborough Sauvignon too zesty and fresh for your palate, a glass of Ara Resolute might just be a real eye-opener.

Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $31.99

Askerne has been a roll over the last few years and this 2022 release is another excellent wine from a producer who deserves much wider recognition for the calibre of their portfolio. From a challenging vintage, this 2022 Reserve is a study in modern, barrel fermented Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. The nose shows textbook layers of ripe stonefruit and citrus with a reductive touch of flinty gun smoke adding a modern note. The palate is full-bodied and broad with creamy lemon flavours and some obvious oak spice balancing out those ripe stonefruits. The finish is plush and long with nicely pitched acidity rounding out the conversation. Everything is in its place. Everything is balanced and harmonious. I loved it. If you’re a fan of robust, premium styled, barrel fermented Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, Askerne Reserve 2022 should definitely be on your list.

d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2020 – Australia 

Available from $13.99

d'Arenberg’s Stump Jump has always been associated with their hugely popular GSM, but more recent additions to the Stump Jump range have also been very well received. Of the red options I have tasted the cabernet merlot is the most ‘serious’ by some margin, with drier mouthfeel and a more savoury palate in the blackcurrant spectrum. Touches of leather and tobacco from the cabernet component kick off proceedings before the merlot and petit verdot aspect of the blend bring softer flavours of plum and cherry into play. It’s friendly and comes with good palate flow - and as such it would make an excellent choice for casual BBQs or summer gatherings. Fun fact: the Stump Jump label is designed as an eye test. According to d'Arenberg winemaker Chester Osborn, if you can hold the bottle at arm’s length and can still read the label, then you're good to have another glass! 

Rebelde Alentejano Tinto 2020 – Portugal 

Available from $18.99

Portuguese reds are one of the hottest trends in wine now. I always think of them as having darker and more broody flavours than their Spanish neighbours and more generosity and juicy charm than the wines of Italy – and that’s exactly what you get with this 2020 blend from Rebelde. Vinted from touriga nacional, syrah, petit verdot & alicante bouschet, it offers loads of soft dark fruits set in a juicy framework with enough oak and tannic structure to always keep you engaged. That easy drinking Portuguese charm is certainly there in full effect and this interesting wine would be a perfect option for a casual gathering - as it is equally at home with or without food.

Bodegas Santa Ana Reserve Malbec 2021 – Argentina

Available from $21.99

Argentinian Malbec has long been one of the best value options available for red wine drinkers looking for palate weight and concentration. It is such a safe category to explore and this 2021 release from Santa Ana personifies the sheer bang for your buck that the wines of South America are synonymous with. This is a big, bold wine with flavours in the blackberry / blueberry zone and some nice, fresh, tannic grip. It has been oak aged, and the wood spice characters from seasoned barrels add to the experience, while some vanillin notes from the American oak component bring in another subtle layer of complexity. It’s a quality red; fulsome, rewarding and very well priced. Match with a quality cut of wood fired beef immediately.

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $32.99

This important wine will always feature in any discussion of the finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs and comes with an enviable reputation for its concentration and complexity. The 2022 vintage is another excellent expression that captures the maritime influences of the Wairau Valley. Wonderfully pungent with passionfruit, gooseberry, nettle and tomato leaf characters bursting from the nose, it’s a punchy wine that takes those characters from the bouquet and wraps them up in a lightly saline, herbal palate that shows plenty of tropical fruits and tangy layers of acidity. Full of energy and drive, it finishes long and enticingly fresh, with excellent tension between the fruit and acid components. If you want to taste one of the great New Zealand wines, grab a bottle and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. 

Locatour Creamy Chardonnay 2021 – California, USA

Available from $17.99

With the increasing popularity of Californian Chardonnays in our domestic market, few examples manage to sneak under the key $20 retail price barrier these days – so Locatour is sure to attract plenty of attention wherever it is sold. With ‘Creamy’ on the label, the scene is set for a rounded, fulsome wine - and that’s exactly what Locatour delivers. The nose is all about ripe peaches, pineapple and butterscotch, with some toasted oak characters playing a supporting role. The palate is rich and full-bodied with some fruit sweetness and vanillin oak adding to that stonefruit core – and the finish is soft and very creamy with some buttered popcorn / caramel flavours rounding things out. This is an uncomplicated, ‘midweek’ wine for those who like their chardonnay on the big and bold side of the street. No need to cellar. Match with lemon-spiked roasted chicken or your favourite carbonara pasta. 

Tread Softly Prosecco NV 

Available from $14.99

Another wine with some residual sugar that is fast developing a reputation with Kiwi buyers is Tread Softly Prosecco. Vinted from South Australian Glera (glera is the traditional prosecco grape), this is a soft, medium-bodied sparkling wine with flavours in the pear and apple spectrum and an underlying seam of honeysuckle. At just 9.9% alc/vol, it’s been designed to be a lighter style, but the palate delivers plenty of good fruit characters and the finish is clean and bright. Though not as crisp and vibrant as its Italian counterparts, it’s still very fresh and appealing with lost of juicy fruit action and a dash of soft acidity on the finish. Match with a drinks platter when the gang calls around.

Black Cottage Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago

Available from $19.99

This is good value. Vinted by Marlborough-based Black Cottage winemaker Dave Clouston, this 2021 release is looking very nicely integrated with a bouquet of red and black fruits, and a green herb / thyme note adding a direct link to the Cromwell and Alexandra vineyards that provided the fruit for this appealing wine. Two years on from harvest it is now entering its perfect drinking window, with primarily red cherry fruits driving things along. Some plum and spicy oak characters pick up that ball, adding further interest to a juicy palate that shows plenty of vibrancy and life. The finish shows some classic Central Otago game and forest floor nuances, and the closing tannins have enough grip to give this wine the structure it deserves. Enjoy over the coming 3-4 years with a venison casserole or duck tacos.

Perrin La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux 2020 – France

Available from $16.99

One of the great lessons to learn when you start looking more seriously at wine, is that wines don’t need to be big to be good. This lovely southern Rhone blend is the personification of that simple adage; a pleasure wine that puts sheer enjoyment and drinkability before palate weight and structure. It’s worth pointing out that Perrin are a very prestigious Rhone producer - the makers of the legendary Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They have been wine growers in the southern Rhone for centuries and are now recognised as the largest organic producer in the appellation. The Cotes du Ventoux sits towards the bottom of the Perrin brand hierarchy, but this deceptively simple blend of carignan, cinsault, grenache, and syrah is a very rewarding glass of wine. Enjoy it at the start of an evening with soft cheeses or a charcuterie selection.     

Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021 - Clare Valley, Australia.

Available from $19.99

This famous wine has long been one of the shiraz market’s best buys, but I thought that the newly released 2021 vintage is looking especially sharp. Fruit comes from Jim Barry’s renowned Lodge Hill vineyard in the Clare Valley – a region known for more elegant shiraz expressions that are typically fresher and more vibrant than their Barossa cousins. The palate is chock full of blueberry and cherry fruits with some blackberry notes and bramble spice adding further layers of complexity. There’s plenty of tannin but it is quite fine and integrated, and the oak component shows its presence but never tries to unbalance the equation. This is a mouth-filling, complete shiraz experience that defies this relatively humble price point. Excellent value.   

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV – France

Available from $59.99

Vinted from a blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, and with 35% reserve wine in the blend, Lanson has long been one of the top-selling Grand Marque Champagnes and brings a significant reputation for freshness and elegance to the table. This latest disgorgement is looking very good with a red apple and citrus nose sitting over a core of toasted brioche characters. The bubbles are fine and very persistent in the glass and the palate is broad and quite generous, with good drive and nicely poised tension between the fruit and mineral aspects. Having not tasted Lanson for a couple of years, I was impressed with the quality it offered – and with the price of Grand Marque Champagne steadily on the rise, it’s obviously good value in the current market.

Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This was impressive 2022 wine from vigneron brothers, Ben and Luc Cowley. In classic Marlborough style, this expressive wine shows a complex array of punchy notes on the nose with citrus, green herbage, tropical fruits and tomato stalk all playing their part. It promises much, and the palate delivers a textbook assemblage of regional sauvignon flavours with some chalky minerality, and a gentle saline note adding a further touch of individuality. Far from being one-dimensional, this is sauvignon that unfolds with each taste. The lasting impression is balanced and fresh with salivating acidity and that mineral line shining on through. Classy wine that deserves to be served lightly chilled with fresh shellfish or a tangy garden salad.        

Babich Irongate Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $34.99

Babich Irongate has always been an important label in the context of premium Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and the 2022 is another fine effort from a challenging growing season. Vinted from Gimblett Gravels fruit, this release was shy on initial inspection before opening up in the glass as more air worked its way into the wine. Notes of grilled stonefruits, almond and sweet oak spice dominated a nose that also showed some subtle ginger and lemon spice. The palate flowed beautifully, bringing those characters together and adding a distinct ginger-cream flavour into the equation. The finish was long, with good acidity and understated hints of toasty French oak. In my book, this wine should be decanted before service if you plan to open a bottle over the coming 18 months, but its real beauty will be discovered if you can put some aside over the coming five years. I loved it. 

Babich Cabernet Merlot 2019 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $17.99

Given its humble price point, this was another very impressive Babich wine. From the excellent 2019 vintage, this release shows plenty of blackberry and plum characters on the bouquet, with some leather / tobacco / eucalyptus notes from the cabernet aspect of the blend. There is also a very appealing Bordeaux-esque pencil lead aroma that carries through to a middleweight palate, showing layers of spicy blackcurrant underpinned by some creamy mocha flavours. There is good balance between the sweet fruit characters and the rounded acidity this wine displays, while the tannins are supple and very friendly. If you prefer to shop in the sub$20 bracket and you’re looking for a good example of blended Hawke’s Bay red, there is an awful lot to like here. Great buying. 

Tilia Malbec 2022 – Argentina

Available from $16.99

Here’s a wine to try if you’re looking for a softly rewarding red to keep you company on these colder winter nights. Budget conscious Kiwis have taken to Argentinian reds with great gusto, and the 2022 Tilia release is a showcase of the plush, dark fruits and juicy palate weight that South American Malbec is so well-known for. Medium-bodied and lightly oaked by Argentinian standards, this is a very approachable red that’s been made in an uncomplicated, drink-now style. Hints of vanilla and oak spice add some complexity to the primary plum and blackberry flavours, but this is wine to slosh into glasses on casual nights, while a hearty roast is ticking over in the oven. No need to cellar. It’s ripe and rearing to go.     

La Multa Old Vine Garnacha 2019 – Spain

Available from $18.99

Here’s this week’s obvious bargain. Produced from low yielding garnacha vines in the North-Easterly Spanish region of Calatayud, La Multa 2019 is a bit of showstopper. Packed with glossy, dark, mouthfilling fruits, it brings the generosity and ripeness of Spanish Grenache to the party, but some deeper, more savoury characters ensure that this lovely wine maintains a premium stance from start to finish. For the uninitiated, grenache tastes a bit like turbo-charged pinot noir, with amplified dark cherry fruits and supple palate flow. It’s a very reliable category for Kiwi wine buyers who have become disillusioned with entry level New Zealand Pinot Noir – and there some incredible buys if you shop around. This is one of them. Get some pizzas on the go as soon as possible and crack a bottle of this little beauty. You won’t regret it. I bought a case.