Glass overfloweth with festive flavours

It's been a huge week of tasting and I can't see that changing anytime soon as wineries, breweries and cider manufacturers begin rolling out their new releases hoping to tempt that all-important festive-season market. There are some crackers among this lot, some representing superb value for money, and it's a great time to be a consumer because the bargains are definitely out there. If you haven't checked out online retailers like www.blackmarket.co.nz, www.winesale.co.nz or www.advintage.co.nz then hurry. Of course there are loads of other sites selling wines sourced from here and overseas at a fraction of the price - but these are three that I regularly use and recommend. Sign up for their online newsletters and email notifications - because often you have to move quickly to take advantage of certain deals.-
Moncellier Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010, $20 5/5
Stunning nashi and quince aromas, followed by lip-smacking acidity, juicy confection character and peachy length of flavour. Gorgeous. www.moncellier.co.nz

Kidnapper Cliffs Hawke's Bay Pinotage 2009, $45 4.5/5
Produced by the talented team at Te Awa, who have a long pedigree when it comes to making great pinotage, this is a gorgeous, buxom red showing layers of sweet black tea, baking spices, plum and pepper. It has a delicious, warm, earthy character in the mouth and sensational persistence of flavour. Fine-wine stores will have this, or register for mail order at www.kidnappercliffs.com

Apple Tree Cider Co. Apple & Elderflower Cider 500ml, $7.50
Brewed by the Apple Tree Cider company in Tauranga, this flavoursome fizz infuses the juice from crisp Hawke's Bay braeburn apples with elderflower grown on the banks of the Rakaia River in Canterbury. I love the clean, true apple tang and appealing mineral and fennel notes. It's unusual, not sweet, but totally satisfying and a fantastic alternative to the many commercial ciders out there. Contains 4.5 per cent alcohol. For stockists phone Sam Cooney on 027 555 0603 or email appletreecider@gmail.com
Alexia Wairarapa Sauvignon Banc 2010, $18 5/5
This snazzy sauvignon made by the talented Jane Cooper has lifted, punchy aromatics and serves up a juicy, textural, citrus-driven tsunami of flavour across the palate. Robust tropical fruit, clean, balanced acidity and excellent length of flavour. More please! www.alexia.co.nz
Yellowglen Perle 2006, $24 5/5
Beautiful pale straw colour and has delicate bead (that's the proper name for the little bubbles in the glass), persistent mousse (that's the proper name for the amount of fizz that gathers at the top), and gorgeous aromas of rising dough, buttery shortbread and lemon. Lovely and weighty in the mouth with a creamy, textural finish that never ends. Available at good wine stores.
Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $25 4/5
Mint, lime, crushed green herbs and passionfruit are all here and it has lovely density and concentration of flavour. Gorgeous with salt and pepper squid drizzled with lemon. Fine wine stores will have this or visit www.greywacke.com
Pegasus Bay Maestro Malbec 2006, $47 4/5

Bring on global warming if this is the standard of Bordeaux reds being created down Canterbury way. I love the solid berryfruit, cocoa and spicy, meaty characters in this wine. Succulent, warm and weighty with a burst of juicy flavour and a gripping length of flavour.
Crowded House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $19 3.5/5
Soft, subtle aromas of lemon, lime and passionfruit combine in the mouth to produce a lovely ripe, juicy and tangy sauvignon for any occasion. This wine is widely available.
Mt Olympus Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008, $11 2.5/5
I practically had a seizure when I was told that this wine retailed for under $12. This is a bargain - savoury, meaty aromas fleshed out with plump, cherry and berry flavours in the mouth.
Light, lush and so, so easy to drink.
Buy now or forever kick yourself. www.blackmarket.co.nz