PICK of the bunch

2016 3SIXTY2 MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC, $25

An impressive debut from young winemaker Alice Rule. Sophisticated and lively, with bright tropical and crunchy citrus fruit, dry, textural palate and a pithy, nettles-and-grapefruit finish.

2018 IMMIGRANT’S VINEYARD RURU CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR, $25

The Central Otago sub-region of “Alex” can fly under the radar, with mostly tiny, family-owned vineyards, but its wines are worth seeking out. This is a mouth-filling, fruit-rich, supple pinot with a great story behind it.

2019 BLACKENBROOK NELSON PINOT BLANC, $26

You’ve heard of pinots noir and gris but have you tried their cousin, pinot blanc? This gold medal winner displays Nelson’s hallmark sunshine-in-a-bottle, and it’s aromatic with ripe stonefruit, pears and spice, a fleshy, rounded, off-dry palate, and pleasingly savoury finish.

2018 BOSTOCK WINES VICKI’S VINEYARD HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH, $65

Bostocks were organic food pioneers, and their wine is a personal venture, celebrating the late Vicki Bostock. Brambly fruit, layered spice/ savoury notes, balanced and lengthy, it’s a fittingly lovely tribute.

2018 I VIGNERI VINO ROSSO ETNA, $49

A velvety, slightly rustic red, with all the sense of savoury warmth and minerality one might expect from its biodynamic volcanic vineyards. Rich in fruit, with firm, dry tannins – match with pasta alla Norma.