Special occasions

Wine is needed this week. My daughter is learning to drive. In my car. With me. It’s been emotional.

DOMINIO DE HEREDIA RIOJA DOC 2015 $19.90

Super-smooth and masculine, like sniffing George Clooney after a wet shave, it’s all tobacco, mansweat, saddle leather and desert dust. Wait ... What was I talking about again? The wine. Yes. Tempranillo grapes were harvested, crushed, fermented, and aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels to bring on the smoky, prune, and pepper flavours in this bottle. A mid-palate burst of cherry, blackcurrant and cocoa is followed by chompy tannins. Woof. Sip with: minted lamb shanks. poshslosh.co.nz

SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 12 LONE GUM MARLBOROUGH GEWURZTRAMINER 2016 $25.90

As least once a week I must have Thai food and, when I do, I must have a crisp glass of gewurztraminer to soothe its passage. I thought the 2014 vintage was unstoppable then the 2016 came along. Wow! This musky-spiced style from Chris and Judy Simmonds’ block on Dog Point Rd is a succulent, luscious example of rosescented, glossy, oily, lychee-laden loveliness with a little kick of heat on the finish. Sip with: black pepper prawns. saintclair.co.nz

CHAMPAGNE JOSEPH DESRUETS BRUT SPECIAL CUVEE LES PREMICES NV $150

I love learning of new Champagne houses and Desruets is my new favourite. A 60/40 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, it’s so incredibly fresh, pillowy and pure. I love the lacy citrus, cashew, bagel dough and shortbread characters on the palate, its harmonious texture, impeccable balance and lift – it’s an absolute aristocrat of a Champagne and one that’s worth every cent — and more. Sip with: steamed oysters and shiso herb salsa. mylittlefrance.co.nz Yvonne Lorkin

YVONNE LORKIN IS CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF TASTING OFFICER OF WINEFRIEND.CO.NZ AND A WINE WRITERS OF NZ MEMBER.