February 5th
Murdoch James Blue Rock Pinot Noir 2010 RRP $39
There are times when only the best will do and this wine is for one of those times. A luscious, deep, seductive pinot from Martinborough, with beautiful floral notes on the nose and ripe, rich plum and black cherry notes on the palate. Long and elegantly structured, it's a spectacularly good pinot and one to keep for the very best occasions.
February 12th
Black Barn Reserve Chardonnay 2009 RRP $36
Elegant is the best description here; ripe peach and citrus notes give way to toasty oak and a slightly mineral aroma on the nose. It's very broad across the palate, with waves of peach, butterscotch and honey underpinned by vanilla oak and a touch of flintiness. Exquisitely balanced wine, with a great future ahead of it, if you can resist the urge to open it right now.
February 19th
Negroamaro ''F'' Salentino 2008 RRP $55
It's easy to overlook how incredibly good Italian wines are, and this superlative wine is an example. It has a dark, almost meaty nose, with savoury oak and dark bramble and black cherry aromas. Huge on the palate, persistent, elegant and incredibly complex. The finish goes on forever and, while this is pricey, it's worth every cent and more.
February 26th
Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV RRP $35
A luscious, creamy, chardonnay-based bubbly from one of the country's best wineries. This isn't cheap, but it is consistently one of the top wines produced here. It's all about fruit and cream, with hints of apple and lemon and a lovely nutty undertone. Long and elegant, it's the epitome of summer drinking. Long may it continue.
