Rimu Grove Nelson Chardonnay 2011 RRP $35 Nelson does so many wines so well that it can be easy to forget what excellent chardonnay comes from there. This is a buxom and generous wine with full tropical fruit and creamy oak aromas. It has a lovely mix ofcitrus, cream and peach on the palate, wrapped upina zingy acidity. Excellent wine either with food or simply to enjoy on its own.
March 10th
Middle Earth Rose 2012 RRP $23.99 This little gem is made from pinot meunier, one of the base wines of Champagne, but rarely heard of Downunder. That's a pity because it makes glorious wine and this example is a little stunner, with a lovely whiff of jasmine on the nose and a delicate hint of raspberry and rosewater on the palate. Silky, smooth, sexy and a very stylish wine; there isn't much of it, so hunt it down.
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2010 RRP $69.99 Penfolds Bin 389 has been a classic for years and the latest vintage is no different. Opulent is the first word I think of when I smell this luscious blend of South Australian fruit. It's richly scented, with elements of blackcurrant, blackberry, spice, leather and sweet oak. The palate has elegantly structured layers of dark fruit, peppery spice and sweet oak to balance out the tannins. This is lovely now, but will be heavenly in five to eight years.
March 24th
Kahurangi Estate Dry Riesling 2010 RRP $17.90 Criminally overlooked by consumers, riesling is an incredible wine, offering a huge variety of flavours. This little stunner comes from Nelson and is a dry style with rapier-like acidity backing up lovely green apple, lemon and grape fruit notes. It's the perfect sunny-day wine and will go beautifully with a wide variety of foods as well.
Wynn's Coonawarra Shiraz 2010 RRP $22.99 This wine is always a reliable favourite and this vintage is excellent, reflecting the near-perfect growing conditions. It's a luscious wine on the nose with lovely intermingling aromas of blackberry, toasty oak, black pepper and even a hint of cherry. Across the palate it unfolds with elegant layers of mulberry, blackberry and pepper. A brilliant wine at a ridiculously low price.
