This wine is an important part of the flagship Brown Brothers' range. It is dedicated to the memory of Katherine's grandmother Patricia (who is quoted as saying "you can only put my name on that wine if it's bloody good!") and is anabsolutely stunning shiraz. A ribbon of smoke wraps around a core of cocoa and succulent ripe blackcurrant and plum that has a layer of lovely, dusty carpenters' workshop about it. The oak is well-handled and the alcohol is warming and beautifully balanced, and it's a wine that's drinking nicely now but still has years of life left. www.brownbrothers.com.au
CLOUDY BAY MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010, $44
Wow! Intensely spice-driven. Mace, anise, red rose and rhubarb crumble notes combine with black guava and juicy, bright berry flavours that burst through on the palate. I love the soft cocoa character and silkiness on the finish. I wonder if I could convince a funeral director to embalm me with this when I die. www.cloudybay.com
Seductively perfumed with candied papaya, lychee and honey-drizzled stonefruit. In the mouth it is sweet and toffee-ish yet is zesty and refreshing at the same time. Silky, sophisticated and an absolute dream to drink. www.osawawines.co.nz
