Sensational sipping right here right now

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes a plethora of new releases. Voracious volumes of vinous treats, torrents of tastebud teasing tipples and (if you didn't get the hint before now) heaping wads of wines so new they're still wet behind the ears. As you know, I usually have space to talk about only four or five wines each week, which is fine most of the time. However, at the rate these wines are crossing my desk we'll still be reading about the August releases this time next year. And that simply won't do. So this week I've opted to devote the entire column to what I reckon represents sensational sipping right here, right now.
I'll bet there's also something here for every single type of dish you may be thinking about rustling up this evening, so read on and get tasting.
Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah 2009, $19
3.5/5
A cracker of a new release with lifted, perfumed violet and pepper aromas and in the mouth it is juicy, savoury, solid and spicy. It's super-drinkable even as a young puppy and, best of all, it's widely available. But visit www.temata.co.nz for a list of stockists in your area.
Black Barn Hawke's Bay Montepulciano 2009, $32
4/5
Espresso and dark chocolate aromas ooze from the glass with hints of fig, charred toast and earthy mushroom following closely. To drink, it has some gorgeous prune and Christmas pudding spices followed by solid, meaty, gripping tannins to finish. Visit www.blackbarn.com for where to buy.

Matakana Estate Cabernet Franc Merlot 2008, $29
4/5
Glossy garnet black colour and layered with cocoa, plum and deliciously warming spices in the mouth. Soothing, sexy and utterly drinkable; those who like their reds with a bit of spine will love this. Fine wine stores should have this, otherwise visit www.matakanaestate.co.nz for info.
Mondillo Central Otago Riesling 2009, $23
4/5
This Riesling hooked me the instant I smelled its lifted apple skin and beeswax aromas. In the mouth it is ultra-spritzy and samurai sharp, bursting with clean citrus and lovely minerality on the finish. Limited stocks only, so visit www.mondillo.com to order yours.
Ata Rangi Celebre 2007, $36
5/5
This is a deliciously drinkable blend of syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from Martinborough and Hawke's Bay. You don't often find inter-regional blends like this and, in addition to being a sophisticated drop, it also has character and cuddliness. It's juicy, mouth filling and dripping with blueberries, plum, dried herbs and chewy tannins. Great drinking now but it will reward cellaring for the next five to six years. Go directly to www.atarangi.co.nz for where to buy.

Rockburn Devil's Staircase Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009, $19
3/5
It's rare to find good Pinot for less than $30, let alone under $20 - but the Devil's Staircase is definitely doing it for me. Previous vintages haven't impressed, but the 2009 is a different beast altogether; fruity, spicy, lush and lengthy - it's more like a good introduction to red wine for those who don't fancy something too dry and grippy. Widely available in supermarkets everywhere.
Brown Brothers Everton Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2008, $16
3.5/5
It's one of those cuddly Aussie reds that oozes savoury molasses, tar, prune and pepper aromas with hints of blackberry and bitter chocolate. It's dangerously easy to drink, ripe and robust. It's perfect with a good roast beef, spag bol or, if you're going gourmet, then venison sausages would be perfect. Best of all its available in supermarkets everywhere.
San Hill Central Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2007, $20
3/5
This wine smells like a hot buttered crumpet spread with a chunk of honeycomb. It's bold and has loads of butterscotch-type flavours in the mouth. Those who love 'em big and oaky will no doubt crawl over broken glass for this chardonnay - serve it with classic roast chicken and you're on to a winner. Visit www.pukeora.com for stockists near you.
Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $22
3/5
Pungent passionfruit and pea-pod aromas leap out of the glass and mix with tangy lime, lemon and super-tropical flavours on the palate. Zesty and fresh - this is spring in a bottle. Widely available.
Te Awa Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $27
4/5
A lovely multi-layered wine that's chock full of wild flowers, herbs and hay-like characters. It has preserved lemon and lime flavours rounded out with hints of passionfruit and it's just superb with pan-fried gurnard coated in a lemony, herby crust. It is long, textural and an all-round lovely drink. Visit www.teawa.com for where to buy.

Sileni the Straits Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $24
4/5
Classic herbaceous, passionfruit and lime flavours lead the way for a lovely, full-bodied juicy sauvignon. It has lush, sorbet-like texture and hints of fennel and perspiration flesh out the finish. Superb with steamed mussels. Visit www.sileni.co.nz
Te Kairanga Runholder Martinborough Pinot Noir 2006, $32
3/5
After a couple of years in the bottle it's developing the colour of old blood which I find really attractive and it has brooding, dusty rose petal, allspice and sandalwood aromas. To drink, it is light, smooth and has a smoky, soy-like finish. Available at fine wine stores or via www.tkwine.co.nz
Lake Chalice Falcon Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2009, $20
3.5/5
I love this style of Riesling with its crisp, lifted citrus and hints of honeysuckle on the nose. So clean and fresh it cuts across the palate with intense minerality and spritzy texture. With a positively demure 10.5 per cent alcohol, it exudes elegance on the finish. Available at good wine stores or via www.lakechalice.co.nz
Greene King Strong Suffolk Ale 500ml, $7
4/5
Weighing in at 6 per cent alcohol, this dark beer is incredibly morish and smoky with hints of burnt toffee and earthy spices. Perfect with strong cheese, spicy fruit chutney and fresh, dark, grainy bread. Imported by Federal GEO www.federalgeo.co.nz
Mission Estate Hawke's Bay Viognier 2009, $24
3/5
Delicate white peach, jasmine and mandarin aromas and clean, juicy citrus notes merge with a ripe, textural mouth feel and a lengthy finish. Visit www.missionestate.co.nz for where to buy.
Takutai Pinot Gris 2009, $8
3/5
Super-cheap, this is a classic Pinot Gris that oozes quince, pear and spicy, tropical fruit. There's a sneaky bit of sweetness and some fig notes. The sweetness is countered by crisp, lip smacking acidity and a zesty dry finish. Takutai is made by the team at Waimea Estate in Nelson and it scooped a gold medal at the Liquorland International Wine Show 2010. Available via www.blackmarket.co.nz