PICK OF THE BUNCH
1. Spicy syrah
2014 COOPERS CREEK ‘SV GIMBLETT GRAVELS’ HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH $25 Always drink Aussie shiraz? Swap to NZ syrah (different name, but same variety) to discover what you’re missing. Coopers Creek’s is vibrant, juicy and supple with a touch of savoury complexity.
2. Super sav
2016 CLOUDY BAY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC $34 Discover the wine that put Marlborough sauvignon blanc on the map. While 35 years on it’s just received a subtly tweaked label, the wine itself is as arrestingly fresh and vibrant as ever. A classic.
3. Perfect pinot
2014 CERES ‘COMPOSITION’ CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR $40 Floral, red-fruited and pretty on the nose, the palate is a touch unyielding at first but soon unfolds with grace and charm and plenty of fruit, particularly in the presence of a nicely grilled lamb chop.
4. Great gris
2015 QUARTZ REEF CENTRAL OTAGO SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT GRIS $28 The friendly crew at Quartz Reef couldn’t be a lovelier choice to visit and their wines ain’t half bad either! This is a crunchy, fresh style with excellent texture and length – definitely one to savour.
5. Rosé days
2016 SOHO WHITE COLLECTION MARLBOROUGH PINOT ROSÉ $20 A bright and breezy wine packed with notes of ripe strawberries, vanilla, spice and yes, even roses. Perfect to start the evening with, but will also be a very fine match for a smoked salmon salad.