Crisp, crackly citrus, classic clean and grassy-green flavours are front and centre here in this sauvignon blanc. It's not overly challenging, but let's be honest - 10 bucks may not win friends and influence people, but it can provide some lovely liquidrefreshment for fish 'n' chip Friday. www.blackmarket.co.nz
OLD MOUT HOT BERRY CIDER 1.25L, $15.99 (8 per cent)
The latest offering from those inventive Old Mout cider kids. Perfect for chilly afternoons, they've blended berry wine, cider and spices together and injected a hint of spritz to make a fizzy mulled-wine combo which is designed to be heated in the microwave to ward off the winter chills. I add a whole star anise, a few peppercorns, a clove or two and a sliver of cinnamon stick to a tall glass before heating it for a minute or so on high - yummo! Available in good supermarkets or for stockists in your area, visit www.oldmoutcider.com
MILLTON VINEYARD CLOS DE STE. ANNE CHARDONNAY 2010, $70
If there is one thing you'd consider splurging 70 big ones on this year, make sure it's on this wine. Gorgeous aromas of creamy peach, grapefruit and buttered, homebaked bread lead to punchy, incredibly juicy stonefruit and lemony flavours and a succulent yet toasty texture. The Clos de Ste. Anne estate has been developed around James Millton's original Naboth's Vineyard where chardonnay and pinot noir were initially planted in 1980. The 30-acre property now includes vineyards, forest, amenity trees and olive plantations and has been farmed biodynamically since 1989. "Anne is my 'Grand Cru'," says James. "These wines are dedicated to my wife and business.". www.millton.co.nz
