Last-minute gifts
Panicking about not having bought me a Christmas present yet? Fret not, I’ll be quite happy with any of these before New Year, thanks …
LAWSON’S DRY HILLS MARLBOROUGH ‘RANU’ 2017 $28
Named after the Maori verb meaning “to mix”, a single bin each of riesling, pinot gris and gewurztraminer was hand-harvested on April 11 from different blocks, blended and fermented wild, to create a wine that commemorates Lawson’s 25th anniversary. It’s a glorious, gussy-up of citrus, peach and musky magic. Juicy and succulent, it’s the apple, nashi and lemon verbena notes that lift it to next level loveliness. Sip with: gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce. lawsonsdryhills.co.nz
MOET & CHANDON IMPERIAL GOLDEN SPARKLE LIMITED EDITION NV $69
I love the aromas of rising dough, biscuity notes, and almond meal drizzled with lemon and a touch of tropical fruit in this festive fizz. On the palate it’s zesty and dry; full, yeasty and edged with a squeak of citrus to elongate the layers of flavour. The bead is delicate, it looks and tastes like Christmas — and it’ll impress the pants off your friends. Sip with: mini scallop mornay, in the shell. advintage.co.nz or glengarrywines.co.nz
AMISFIELD RKV RESERVE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2014 $120
When winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert decides to take a batch of fruit from Amisfield’s lean, bony, loessial Rocky Knoll Vineyard to create a wine she feels is exceptional, then you should take notice. The RKV was created in 2007 and now it’s a Central Otago icon. Wild strawberry, cherry, dried thyme and tea-like aromas lead to an incredibly smooth, succulent mouthfeel. It’s elegant, statuesque and built to last, yet silky and slippery enough to enjoy now. Seriously special. Sip with: seared duck breast and tamarind dressing. amisfield.co.nz
YVONNE LORKIN IS CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF TASTING OFFICER OF WINEFRIEND.CO.NZ AND A WINE WRITERS OF NZ MEMBER.
The bead is delicate, it looks and tastes like Christmas — and it’ll impress the pants off your friends.