Why it's worth spending a little more on wine

Forty is the new 20? Hardly. Spend an extra $20 and your taste buds will be born again…

Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40

Some wines grip you around the shoulders and shake you into the realisation that yes; this is what utterly excellent pinot noir tastes like. This wine does exactly that. I was wowed from the second I poured it; by its seductive sandalwood and spice aromas and its musky wild cherry, berry and rosehip notes. It's luxurious, comforting, and yet stimulates with every sip.

Sip with: Wild venison, black pudding. Or chips. It'll make anything taste amazing.

Goldie Reserve Waiheke Viognier 2015 $45

Whether you've never tasted viognier before or whether you're a seasoned pro, here's one you must try. The tricky thing about growing viognier is the acidity can drop and become soapy - but that's where Waiheke Island has an edge. Constantly fanned by the seabreezes, the grapes don't get a chance to "cook" on the vine, so they're fresh, zesty and retain exotic tangelo and orange oil sauciness. It's lipsmackingly lovely.

Sip with: Roast pork and salty crackling.

Aurum Central Otago Blanc de Blancs 2008 $45

Joan and Tony Lawrence planted their first Pisa Flats vineyard in 1997. Son Brook and daughter-in-law Lucie have now taken over the winemaking side of the story and things have rocketed ahead. This "solely chardonnay" sparkling wine has those classic, clean, lean, almond meal and lemon shortbread flavours that I love in this style. Precise, delicate and taut - with a creamy, brioche and biscuit finish.

Sip with: Crayfish? Be rude not to ...

Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.