Wine: 4 sips for the week

Hallertau Granny Smith Apple Cider 330ml 5.1 per cent, $4.50

Clear, bright lemon-gold colour with a delicate spritzy texture and lovely clean, dry, mouthfilling green apple characters - this is great stuff. It hangs deliciously in the mid-palate meaning the flavour lasts and lasts.

For stockists in your area see www.hallertau.co.nz

William Murdoch 'The Guardsman' 2009, $65

Built around a solid spine of cabernet sauvignon, and with no insecticide, herbicide, pesticide, or systemic or non-organic chemicals used, this wine is as organic and natural as they come.

Crafted by Hayden Penny from fruit sourced from Hawke's Bay's Gimblett Gravels, this weighty wine is aged for 18 months in 50 per cent new oak barriques and what ends up in the bottle boasts fragrant cedar, rosemary, cocoa, red fruit and a robust, masculine mouthfeel.

With "hairs on your chest" tannins and a clinging, tongue-tingling texture, this wine has a huge future. For where and how to buy, phone (06) 879 4333 or email hayden.penny@murdochwines.co.nz

Dog Point Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009, $41

I love the intoxicating aromas of pot pourri, red berryfruit, plum, rosehip tea and hints of mushroom. In the mouth it is slippery and elegant with an exotic, spicy mouthfeel, clinging tannins and delicious length of flavour. It's just lovely with anything featuring spicy chorizo sausage.

See www.dogpoint.co.nz

Richmond Plains 'Monarch' Rose 2011, $19

Made from organically grown, handpicked Nelson pinot noir this wine is brimming with baked strawberry, raspberry and tangy rhubarb flavours.

There's a lovely earthy note to it, too, which adds appealing depth to the long, lingering finish.

For stockists see www.richmondplains.co.nz