Murdoch James Blue Rock Riesling 2011 RRP $25 Outstanding riesling from a reliably good Martinborough producer. This vintage is packed with lemon blossom on the nose and a lively, zesty citrus character on the palate. But it's more than a simple lemon-lover's delight, there are also hints ofgreen apple and just a vague whisper of lime marmalade, all combined beautifully in an off-dry wine of real elegance and style.
February 10th
Da Vinci Chianti 2010 RRP $20.99 One of the problems many people have with chianti is familiarity — they all tend to taste the same after a while. Well, this one doesn't. It's a little cracker of a red, with lovely cherry and plum aromas and a dense fruitiness on the palate followed by a nicely dry finish. Very easy to drink, but also one to think about while you're drinking; clever and classy wine at a great price.
Matawhero Church House Gruner Veltliner 2012 RRP $27.90 Gruner veltliner (or groover, as it's increasingly being called) is a big noise in Europe, but not so much here. This wine might just change that. It's lively, fresh and refreshing but, above all, subtle. The nose has candied lemon and lime notes, while the palate adds touches of spiced apple and a hint of marmalade, all backed up by a crisp level of acid. Summer in a glass, this is a cracking addition to the maker's range.
February 24th
Mills Reef Reserve Merlot 2011 $25 Wow, what a beauty of a wine. Merlot has been pigeonholed as a blending wine, but something like this reminds you just how great it can be on its own. Very forward fruit on the nose, with wafts of raspberry, plum and blackberry backed up by a nice leather and cedar character. On the palate it's an explosion of heady fruit, with lovely mouth-filling creaminess and a nice tang of spice. A gem of a wine from a producer that goes from strength to strength.
