Wine: Pretty in pink

It’s all coming up roses for summer sipping.

Someone once bade me farewell by saying "kisses on all ya pink parts", which I felt overstepped the mannerly mark. These pink drinks however, are more than decent...

Black Barn Hawke's Bay Rosé 2016 $23

A super-pretty pinot noir-based rosé from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, plum and fresh herb notes, give this wine lift alongside hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It has nice density and presence on the palate and a twang of strawberry on the finish. It's a food-friendly style that's focused and rather fabulous.

Sip with:Smoked chicken, pineapple and pomegranate salad.

Jules Taylor Gisborne Rosé 2016 $22

So pretty! The double whammy of gorgeous crimson colour and a waft of strawberries and cream gives this some serious edge. Ninety-seven per cent merlot and a splash of 3 per cent pinot noir from Gisborne creates a multi-sensory experience involving buckets of plum, cherry, watermelon and tangy tamarillo. The acidity is zesty and the finish is dry and long.

Sip with: Beetroot, carrot, mint and mixed seed salad.

Terra Sancta Central Otago Rosé 2016 $24.99

A super-pretty pinot noir-based rosé from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, nectarine, plum and fresh herb notes alongside hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It has some nice density and presence on the palate, with a twang of strawberry on the finish. A food-friendly style, focused and fabulous.

Sip with: Cranberry, feta and walnut salad.

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