Wine talk: Sweet wines

Yvonne Lorkin.

Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling 2014, 750ml , $30

Wow. If you've ever seen a bunch of botrytis-infected grapes, you'll know that they're one of the ugliest sights in all of winemaking. However the golden, liquid loveliness living inside that grey, mouldy grape is capable of absolute magic flavour-wise, and we have a superb example here. A luscious, tangy, honeysuckle and spice-soaked sweetie that holds refreshing, gum-tingling acidity on the palate. It's cleansing yet indulgent at the same time. Gorgeous stuff. pegasusbay.com.

Misha's Vineyard "The Cadenza" Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2015, 375ml, $32

I am a huge gewrztraminer hound. I love the stuff, especially when it has a splash of sweetness. Olly Masters has created a sweet treat that smells like musky, creme caramel and shows fresh, honeysuckle and lychee flavours on the palate. It's super-long, lingering finish leaves poached stonefruit and spice in its wake. mishasvineyard.com.

Stanley Estate's Noble Harvest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014, 375ml, $27

This is another rather rare style of dessert wine because you don't often see sauvignon blanc offered up in such a sweet, silky, luxurious manner. This ultra-tangy, treat that oozes passionfruit and lemon curd, honeysuckle and toffee notes " is firmly a new favourite for me. stanleyestates.co.nz.