Left Field takes a whimsical approach to marketing its wines

Left Field takes a whimsical approach to marketing, but its wines are seriously good.

From “the birthplace of the unexpected, the weird and the wonderful”, Left Field wines are made at the Te Awa winery in Hawke’s Bay, which is owned by Villa Maria. Its quirky labels, with intricate drawings of fanciful creatures, first grab your attention, but the wines’ key assets are their quality, downright drinkability and great value in the sub-$20 category.

Playful tasting notes are also part of the collection’s personality. Take the winery’s description of

Left Field Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018, for example: “A handsome crowd including grapefruit, lemon curd and vanilla bean rendezvous at a discreet location, waiting for the fashionably late arrival of navel orange and nectarine. The appearance of softly spoken oak concludes the gathering.”

For pinot gris lovers, “ripe apple and the fuller-figured pear saunter into view with lovely spice and vanilla trailing behind. They chatter in gentle, sweet tones.”

Left Field Gisborne Albariño 2018 ★★★★★ Maturing well, this racy, strongly “varietal” wine is fresh and full-bodied, with good intensity of peachy, citrusy, slightly spicy flavours. It is fully dry, crisp and lingering. (13% alc/vol) $18

Left Field Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2018 ★★★★ If you haven’t discovered the delights of Hawke’s Bay merlot, try this easy-drinking wine. Full-coloured and fragrant, it’s a mouthfilling, generous red with a sense of youthful drive and ripe berry, plum and spice flavours. (13% alc/vol) $18

Left Field Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2019 ★★★★ Already drinking well, this freshly scented, medium-bodied wine has lively peach, pear and spice flavours showing very good balance and depth. (12.5% alc/vol) $18

Left Field Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 ★★★★ Bright pink, this invitingly scented wine has vibrant strawberry and watermelon flavours with hints of peach, apricot and spice. Smooth and lively, it’s full of drink-young charm. (13% alc/vol) $18

Left Field Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 ★★★★ This is a “fruit-driven” style of chardonnay that is full-bodied with peachy, citrusy flavours to the fore, a subtle seasoning of oak and appealing freshness and harmony. (13.5% alc/vol) $18

Left Field Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 ★★★★ Bargain-priced, this ruby-hued red is lively and supple with satisfying depth of berryish, spicy flavours and showing some savoury complexity. Ready to roll. (13% alc/vol) $18