Hawkes Bay, blessed with the kind of undulating landscape and climate that grapes love, is responsible for a fine array of whites and reds. Here are three:
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2012 Tinpot Hut Hawkes Bay Syrah Winemaker Fiona Turner has named her range of wines after a local Marlborough landmark, the historic Tinpot mustering hut. Her pinot noir, pinot gris and gruner veltliner are all from Marlborough but her syrah comes fromone of our best syrah-producing regions - Hawkes Bay. Medium-bodied with classic cinnamon, plum, bacon and pepper characters, this is great at barbecues. Price: $27
2014 Matua Hawkes Bay Albarino Not much of this varietal is grown and produced here, but it's starting to gain a following. Often described as a sexier younger cousin to riesling. Perfect with cheese, the albarino has a lovely approachable level of acidity with an enticing delicate sweetness and characters of lime, apricot and white peach. It has an off-dry finish. Price: $30
2013 Mills Reef Elspeth Chardonnay A fine vintage, of grapes sourced from two superior Hawkes Bay sites, Mere Rd and Te Awanga. Together they combine to produce a rich, creamy, textured chardonnay. This is a real food wine - great with roast chicken or pasta and has flavours of tropical peach and nectarine with just enough oak to give it an edge. Price: $39
