MANGAORAPA ESTATE SOUTHERN HAWKE'S BAY PINOT GRIS 2011, $30
Absolute pinot gris perfection here from Porangahau way, roughly halfway between Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa. Gorgeous and golden in the glass, it has juicy quince and grilled pear flavours and a ribbon of salty minerality that I fell inlove with at first sip. It's dry, clean and has a creamy texture on the finish which is incredibly satisfying. Find it, buy it and drink it now! www.mangaorapa.co.nz
TE MANIA NELSON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012, $18
A sensational little sauvignon with summer written all over it! I love the white peach, lemon and juicy tropical flavours, and its lovely, piercing acidity and spritzy-clean texture on the finish. Full of personality and punch. www.temaniawines.co.nz
I love the depth, weight and generosity of this wine. On the nose you're met with concentrated black fruits, plum, pepper and savoury grilled mushroom notes, yet in the mouth it is slippery, elegant and youthful, with a refreshingly spicy finish. Absolutely lovely to drink now, but it will become only more wow over the next five years or so. www.millsreef.co.nz
MAUDE "MT. MAUDE VINEYARD" EAST BLOCK RIESLING 2012 $25
One sniff and it'll become blindingly obvious as to why this wine scooped the trophy for Champion Wine of the Show at the NZ International Aromatics Show and a gold medal at the NZ International Wine Show. It is so packed with flavour. A low alcohol (9.3 per cent) style which bursts with clean, zingy lime and apple notes followed by a long, juicy, elegant finish. For stockists near you, visit www.maudewines.com
HARVEST PEAR CIDER 330ml 4.7 per cent $11 x 4 pack
More daylight and warmer afternoons see more cider in my fridge and this fantastic pear version is one of my favourites right now. Golden yellow in the glass, it boasts lovely, pure, poached pear aromas and has an elegant, creamy, pear-brulee character in the mouth. Clean and refreshing, I wasn't surprised to learn it won the Best Cider award at this year's Brew New Zealand Awards. Available in supermarkets and liquor outlets.
