TOP NZ SWEET WINE

Akarua Alchemy Ice Riesling 2018 (Central Otago) -3 $50 ★★★★★

FOR AKARUA Alchemy Ice, riesling was hand-harvested in late autumn when the fruit was fully ripe yet the acidity remained naturally high. The grapes were then frozen in the winery, so the water molecules are bound yet the sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, yielding hyper-concentrated flavours at the time of pressing. Production volumes are tiny, so be sure to savour every drop. The golden hue and rich viscosity produce a stunning visual in the glass. The beautifully concentrated floral and spicy aromas open out to flavours of apricot, lychee and honeyed caramel. The palate remains fresh and vibrant with balanced acidity and a supportive phenolic structure.

Forrest Botrytised Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -4 $29

Sourced from three vineyards in the Wairau Valley, this wine is straw coloured with green tints and has lovely concentrated aromas of apricot and marmalade on warm toast. Layers of character and generosity are supported by fresh acidity giving the wine superb length and mouthfeel.

Riverby Estate Noble Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -3 $37

A luxurious style with concentrated aromas of stone fruit, spice and caramel. Roasted ripe peach, honey and toffee flavours remain fresh with balanced acidity and a beautiful purity on the palate.

Jules Taylor Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Marlborough)

★★★★ -2 $29.99

Lawson’s Dry Hills Late Harvest Chardonnay 2015 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $28

Peregrine Charcoal Creek Late Harvest Riesling 2016 (Central Otago) ★★★★ -2 $35

Rock Ferry Botrytised Riesling 2017 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $30

Saint Clair Godfrey’s Creek Reserve Noble Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -3 $29.90

Tiki Koro Noble Riesling 2017 (Canterbury) ★★★★ -2 $34.99