October 2nd
Mills Reef Reserve Chardonnay 2010 RRP $24.95
Another outstanding chardonnay from Mills Reef, which has made a habit of bringing out the best of its Hawkes Bay fruit. A wonderful nose of citrus and cream that leads on to a broad, expansive mouthfeel and layer upon layer of cream, fruit and acid. Another triumph.
October 9th
Karikari Estate Chardonnay 2009
Gorgeous, glorious wine—soft as a feather bed and as broad as the horizon. Made in Northland with all the ripeness you'd expect from that part of the country, this is a blend of stainless steel and oak-fermented wines, giving power without overdoing the wood. Rich butterscotch and creamy notes underpinned by peachy fruit notes and a lovely acidity. Well worth search- ing out.
October 16th
Church Road Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2009 RRP $39.99
It's easy to forget how good Church Road wines are, but if you need a reminder then grab a bottle of this. A taut, balanced blend of cabernet and merlot in almost equal measure, this is an elegant brambly wine, with soft red fruit aromas and a touch of spice. On the palate, plummy notes come to the fore, with drying, almost austere
tannins. A work of elegance and beauty and worth every penny of its price.
October 30th
Oyster Bay Merlot 2010 RRP $20.99
Not the flashest wine I've had this week, but there is something about this that's really attractive, and I don't mean the price. It's not particularly big or clever, but it's an honest, hugely enjoyable medium-bodied red that makes for a perfect partner for barbecues. Summer nights, a decent steak and a bottle of this — heaven.