. . . not stirred

Here’s to quake-central wines

The earthquake and aftershocks that struck Kaikoura and its surrounds have made doing business a tad tricky for some southern wineries. These three have vineyards right in the shake zone … MAHI WARD FARM MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2015 $ 29.90 Mahi’s Brian Bicknell is rarely seen without a massive grin but what’s not to smile about when your wines turn out like this. Sourced from a vineyard in Ward, 8km from the sea just south of Seddon and north of Kaikoura, this is a pear and apple-saturated, spicy gris with gorgeous texture and tautness. Sip with pumpkin, pea and halloumi fritters. www.mahiwine.co.nz GREYSTONE WAIPARA CHARDONNAY 2015 $39 It’s been 11 years since the Thomas family first put vines in the ground at Greystone. The chardonnay is hitting its straps. Rich and golden in the glass and smelling of the most delicious melange of almond biscuits rubbed with grapefruit pith, dipped in peach juice then crumbled on buttered toast. Luxuriously creamy and darn lovely to drink. Sip with scallops and sweetcorn puree. www.greystonewines.co.nz MT BEAUTIFUL CHEVIOT HILLS PINOT NOIR 2014 $33 Gorgeous aromas of tamarillo, rooibos tea, craisins and fresh cherry wash across the nose and tastebuds. Cheviot is the little North Canterbury enclave responsible for this juicy, softly spiced and rather succulent pinot noir with a hint of red rose and raspberry on the finish. It’s perfumed, plush and seductive. Sip with duck liver parfait. To buy email sales@mtbeautiful.co.nz