January 1st
Giesen Marlborough Riesling 2011 RRP $18.99
A perfect summer wine, with a lively floral nose under-pinned by limey citrus tones. Quite mouthfilling, with a definite dollop of residual sugar giving a lovely fruit sweetness to it. Ideal with food or on its own as a refresher on a warm afternoon. Delightful.
January 8th
The Ned Pinot Noir 2009 RRP $24.99
I haven't always been the biggest fan of Marlborough pinots, but this is a charming little number with a nice gaminess creeping in underneath the plummy fruit on the nose. Rich and long on the palate, this has a surprising weight to it and a velvety finish.
January 15th
Vidal Reserve Series Chardonnay 2010 RRP $22.95
The Vidal is an archetypal Hawke's Bay chardonnay but with an elevated biscuit character on the nose and palate. It's packed with ripe nectarine, peach, pear and melon flavours, interwoven with toasty oak and a buttery creaminess. More than simply a drink, it's a glass of sheer pleasure.
January 29th
Marques de Caceres Rioja Rosado RRP $19.90
From a dependably consistent bodega in Spain's famed Rioja region, this oozes class. Made from tempranillo and a little grenache, it is bursting with flavour and not in that over-ripe strawberry way that some roses still go for. Serious wine at an encouraging price and something different enough to tempt the tastebuds.
