Plenty of new wine producers are vying for our attention. Meanwhile, the established “old guard” keep on doing what they know best — and getting even better.
All wines featured are available at bitewine.co.nz for a limited time.
2014 Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Rosé
From sauvignon to gewurztraminer and all manner of varietals in between, you can be assured of genuine quality at an affordable price from this reliable producer. This rosé caught my eye for its distinctive
strawberry and cream characters with a mix of almond and blackcurrant leaf and a dry smooth finish. Best while young and fresh, it's superb with seafood.
Price: $20
2013 Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec
One of the first Hawkes Bay wineries to make a merlot-based wine and then to add malbec and a winner of a major trophy at the Air NZ Wine awards. This is an exceptional wine, full-bodied with buckets of red fruit flavours and spice. Superb.
Price: $25
2013 Selaks Founders Limited Edition Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
Marino Selak first arrived in New Zealand from his native Croatia in 1906 and set about establishing a vineyard so he could put something decent on the table to go with food. Selaks Founders range is a tribute to the generations who kept the winemaking torch alive. Hugely aromatic with smoky savoury and nutty undertones with elements of citrus and a creamy textured soft finish. Pumpkin ravioli is a perfect match.
Price: $26
