July 1st
Crossroads Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris 2011 RRP $22
This is very different, a pinot gris that's almost chardonnay-like. Usually you get pear and apple notes in pinot gris, but this has straw, lemon and nuts on the nose, followed by a ripe, well-rounded palate of pear and zingy acid. Big, but not over the top, this pinot gris works equally well as a food partner or as a glass on its own.
July 8th
Weeping Sands Tempranillo 2011 $35.20
Made by Obsidian in Waiheke (Weeping Sands is a translation of Onetangi), this is lovely stuff. It has all the smoothness and elegance of Rioja, without the hefty price tag. Full of lovely soft plum and blackberry fruit and a touch of tobacco and leather, it's a little gemofa wine and proof that when it's done well, New Zealand can produce brilliant tempranillo wines.
July 15th
Babich Irongate Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2011 RRP $35
There's something symphonic about the way this wine builds and retreats and then builds again. Rich and elegant, but more integrated than some past vintages, it's packed with mealy peach and citrus on the nose. It opens up like a flower on the palate, with soft, creamy fruit and oak notes. A brilliant addition to a classic range of wines. Forget the price, buy as much as you can.
July 22nd
Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2006 RRP $34.99
Not exactly cheap, but there is stunning value here. This is deep and yeasty on the nose, with warm brioche notes and a hint of wild strawberry. On the palate, it's an elegant, seductive charmer packed with toasty, rich, aged fruit flavours and a lingering, generous finish. Classy wine at a bargain price, but be quick, as there hasn't been a great deal of it brought in.
July 29th
Matawhero Church House 2011 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay $22.99
Matawhero has a long and lustrous history as a winery and the new owners have added to that heritage. This wine is stylish and elegant, with ripe melon and creamy aromas and a nice blend of citrus, peach and cream on the palate. Not an overly oaked heavy metal chardonnay, but a light and lovely symphony, with enough restrained power to keep it interesting.
