Full-flavoured, bargain-priced wines are a hallmark of family-owned business Mount Riley.

Full-flavoured, bargain-priced wines are a hallmark of this family-owned business.

Is there a better-value range of Marlborough wines than Mount Riley? Named after the predominant peak in the craggy Richmond Range, on the north side of the Wairau Valley, this family-owned winery produces hugely drinkable wines that are bargain-priced.

Founded in 1994, Mount Riley is controlled by Aucklanders John and Linda Buchanan and their daughter, Blenheim-based Amy Murphy. John, whose family has deep roots in Marlborough, once worked as an accountant for a London wine importer and was later chief financial officer for Corbans. Murphy, a lawyer, is Mount Riley’s general manager and her husband, Matt, is the winemaker, with a talent for crafting fragrant, fresh, full-flavoured wines that are delicious young.

The winery and cellar door at Riverlands – on the south side of Blenheim – processes fruit from contract growers and Mount Riley’s own five sites in the Wairau Valley, including its top-performing 17 Valley vineyard. The wine is distributed widely overseas, from Sainsbury’s supermarkets in the UK to Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

Over a decade ago, Buchanan declared: “We’ve got to deliver wine that’s better than the price.” Mount Riley produces the goods.

Mount Riley 17 Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Hand-picked and fermented and matured in French oak barrels, this is a top example of complex, ageworthy Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Drinking superbly now, it is weighty (13.5% alc/vol), with concentrated, ripe tropical-fruit flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of nutty oak and a harmonious, lasting finish. $20-25

Mount Riley Marlborough Merlot/Malbec 2016

Who says Marlborough is too cool to make good merlot-based reds?

This ageworthy, finely-textured red is substantial (13% alc/vol), with a satisfying depth of ripe, berryish, slightly nutty flavours, skilfully balanced for early drinking. $15-18

Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017

Attractively scented, this is an off-dry style, mouthfilling (13% alc/vol), with pear, lychee and spice flavours, showing excellent varietal character, delicacy and vibrancy. $15-18

Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016

Invitingly fragrant, this barrel-aged red is ruby-hued, full-bodied (13% alc/vol) and smooth, with fresh, ripe, plummy, slightly spicy flavours, revealing greater depth than you’d expect at this modest price. $17