Wine: New year, new wines

Three great wines for the new year. Photo / Thinkstock

HERALDING A NEW GRAPE

Coopers Creek "Bell Ringer" Gisborne Albarino 2011 $25

The trendy Spanish grape is new to New Zealand, its promise illustrated by this fine local example that exhibits the variety's classic lemony freshness, pure peachy fruit and hint of mineral. Only the second-ever commercial vintage, it has already won three trophies. (From Glengarry, Farro Fresh, Caros, First Glass, Smith & Caughey's, Merchant of Taupo, Hamilton Wine Co, Arawa Wines.)

NEW NAME, NEW LABEL

Terra Sancta Estate Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 $34.95

Under new ownership, Olssens has been reinvented as Terra Sancta, with great new packaging and impressive wines such as this seriously structured pinot with its tangy and concentrated dark cherry fruit, infused with notes of mineral and clove. (From stockists including selected branches of Super Liquor, New World, Point Wines, First Glass, Farro Fresh, Caro's, Miller & Co.)

FRESH PICK

Rapaura Springs Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $22.99

A fresh vintage of sauvignon has hit the shelves. This is one of the picks of the latest crop, with a wonderfully textural palate threaded with green herbs, citrus and mineral. (From Scenic Cellars.)