Wine: The dry and the decadent

PASQUALE "THE WHITE ROSE" WAITAKI VALLEY 2011, $32

The hint of pink gold in the glass comes from this top Waitaki producer blending the clear juice from hand-picked pinot noir and Dolcetto grapes to create a bracing, dry white with elegant apple blossom, peach and a splash of lychee on the nose. Crisp, clean and intense minerality will wake up even the most jaded taste buds. www.pasquale.co.nz

BROWN BROTHER'S PATRICIA LATE HARVESTED NOBLE RIESLING 2008, 375ml, $35

The year 2008 was the 50th anniversary of the first noble riesling released by Brown Brothers, and it's now one of the most sought-after stickies in the Australian market.

Gorgeous brassy-bronze in the glass and showing musk, marzipan, marmalade and rose-toffee notes, it is perfectly poised between luxurious sweetness and clean, acid lines. Outstanding stuff indeed.

BULLER FINE OLD MUSCAT, $34

The Buller family has been making fortified wines in Victoria for around 90 years now and that history and pedigree are evident in the quality of wines such as the Buller Fine Old Muscat. Rich raisins, dates, treacle, toasted nutty notes and a velvety-smooth, silky and luxurious finish, it's a fireside must-sip. www.sceniccellars.co.nz

SHERWOOD ESTATE GOLDEN DROUGHT WAIPARA LATE HARVEST CHARDONNAY 2011, 375ml ,$26

Late harvest chardonnays aren't that common, so when a good one lands on the market I'm on it like a shot. This tiny Waipara winery has produced a chardonnay which is brassy gold, toffee-scented and incredibly silky and succulent. I love the marmalade and crystallised fruit flavours - a very sexy sip. www.sherwood.co.nz

TE MANIA "KOHA" NELSON ICE WINE 2011, 375ml, $22

A lovely little late-harvest riesling with candied citrus, peach and honeyed flavours. Te Mania's Koha Nelson Ice Wine is sweet, but it also carries a good vein of acidity that creates a delicious cleansing, refreshing finish. www.temaniawines.co.nz