TOP SPARKLING WINE Daniel Le Brun NV Marlborough) -2 $30 ★★★★★

DANIEL LE BRUN NV is sourced from 13 different vineyards across the Wairau Valley with the varietal mix being 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. To layer in depth, there is an impressive 27% of older reserve wine in the final blend. This is a fine, fresh style with lovely focussed fruit that makes for a terrific aperitif-style sparkling. Well-defined lines suit the elegant flavour profile of citrus, chalk and yeasty bread. This year’s top sparkling comes from a house that first put down roots in Marlborough in the 1970s. Although the winery has since changed ownership, its unwavering commitment to quality and detail keeps this house at the top of its game.

For quality and value, there is a wonderful spectrum from prosecco to more complex, methode traditionelle, vintage wines. JOHN BELSHAM