Today we remember our boys who faced an uphill battle of the worst kind 100 years ago. On our home shores back in 1915, young Josip Babich had just harvested his first crop of grapes …
Wines available from BITEwine.co.nz for a limited time
Babich 'The Patriarch' 2011 Crafted from a blend of 54 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 32 per cent merlot and 14 per cent malbec sourced from their Gimblett Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay, this super-classic benefits from a few years in bottle beforerelease. Fresh, elegant and slick, it boasts deliciously dusty tannins and a long, meaty finish. Price: $70
Marisco 'The King's Bastard' Marlborough Chardonnay 2014 Punchy peach, grapefruit and a sprinkle of toasted almond on the nose indicates this is going to be a rather snazzy example. A seam of spice provides an edge to the juicy, nectarine, pineapple and yellow plum flavours, while a creamy, shortbread-like layer adds extra complexity. The crisp, racy acidity gives freshness to the finish. Definitely money well spent - you should do it more often. Price: $22
Tiki Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Raise your hand if you prefer your sauvignon stacked with lashings of fresh herbs soaked in citrus? Then this snappy, southern sav is definitely destined for your side of the fridge. Pungent, grilled lemon and basil aromatics open up to vibrant passionfruit, green capsicum and white pepper flavours, plus there's a wet stone, mineral-driven feel to the finish. Price: $19
