Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Nautilus Albarino 2023 - Marlborough

Available from $26.99

Albeit coming off a very small base, we are seeing a surge in albarino labels in our local market, with a few enthusiastic wineries keen to pronounce this lesser-known varietal as ‘the next big thing’ in New Zealand white wine production. Albarino’s spiritual home is in Galicia in Northwestern Spain. There it is typically a bone-dry style that shines with tension and racy acidity. It’s a food wine that is known as a great match with seafood – especially shellfish – and the same can be said for the Kiwi versions I have tasted to date. Nautilus 2023 is a very good example of what I now see as the New Zealand Albarino model. It’s a bit softer and more fruit driven than its Spanish counterparts, with a noticeable floral aspect to the nose and a rounder expression of citrus and green melon on the palate. Plenty of fresh acidity cleans up the finish while a touch of mineral salinity balances out some of those fleshy melon characters. Open a bottle with some fresh oysters for a special treat or match with a simple fish crudo for an elegant entrée.

Rockford White Frontignac 2023 - Australia

Available from $38.99

The Barossa isn’t the first place the springs to mind when you’re thinking of delicate white wines, but Rockford – a much-storied Australian winery – have carved out quite the reputation for their White Frontignac, and this writer has been a fan of this quirky release for over 20 years. Proudly medium in style and weighing in at a low 9.3%alc/vol, the nose is laden with muscat, white flowers, orange zest and citrus.  The palate is lush and juicy with the sweetness you’d expect from a low alcohol wine – with a zesty core of ripe citrus fruits and crunchy apple flavours in full effect. There’s enough acidity on the finish to balance the equation and the lasting impression is bright, vibrant, juicy and fresh. It’s delicious. It’s moreish. And it’s just great fun. Open with a late afternoon platter of fruit and cheese, and watch as everyone jostles for a second glass.

Robert Mondavi Vint Buttery Chardonnay 2022 - California

Available from $23.99

Here’s one for fans of ‘the bigger the better’ American Chardonnay, from the famed Mondavi stable of Californian wines. Golden in the glass, and bursting with aromas of pineapple, peach, vanilla and sweet lemon tart, it promises a rich palate that amplifies those characters – and that’s exactly what you get in the glass. Oak aging and full malolactic fermentation has brought waves of creamy richness to a fulsome palate that fills the mouth with lemon brulee flavours. There’s a decent lick of acidity on the finish, but it’s those creamy fruits that remain centre stage from go to whoa. Even by Californian standards, this is full-on chardonnay. It carries some residual sugar and lacks any sort of elegance, but fans of this over-the-top style will find plenty to enjoy here.  Open a bottle with a grilled salmon dish to match those creamy characters but be warned: this showstopper isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for refinement, best look elsewhere.

Novum Pinot Noir 2020 - Marlborough

Available from $46.99

This is the real deal; an excellent example of premium, small batch pinot noir from one of my favourite South Island producers. Under the watchful eye of William Hoare, Novum has delivered a very consistent series of wines since their inception, with their chardonnay and pinot noir both high on my list of the very best from Marlborough. This 2020 pinot looks especially sharp 4 years on from harvest. It shows classic regional pinot characters on the nose, with dark cherry and plum characters spiked with oak spice, and woody herbs opening the conversation. The palate is generously expressed and packed with detail. Savoury cherry and spicy red fruits fill the mouth, with slinky tannins and softly expressed acidity leaving a calming, soulful impression. It’s so accessible that you can happily enjoy it without food - and I’d suggest that you pair this lovely wine with a roaring open fire and great company.

Boccantino Susumaniello 2022 - Italy

Available from $21.99

Hailing from Salento in the southern ‘heel’ of Italy, this wonderful wine is definitely worth seeking out. Susumaniello is one of the rarer of the Italian grape varietals, which is hard to fathom given the immediate charm and sheer user-friendliness that the examples I have tasted to date have shown. Certainly this 2022 release from Boccantino is packed with flavour. It’s all spicy plum and black fruits on the nose, while the palate is broad and soft with those flavours ramped up and warmly expressed. It’s upfront and very attractive. It’s soft, smooth and supple – but dive a little deeper and you’ll see hints of barrel spice and woody herbs emerge. I loved it. Wines like this are right in my wheelhouse for a casual pasta dinner and a six pack of this well-priced Puglia red will be going home with me tonight.

Linden Estate Merlot 2020 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $17.99

Here’s this week’s bargain. 2020 was a very good vintage in Hawke’s Bay and Linden Estate has captured the potential of straight merlot with this well-made wine.  Aromatically it is very inviting, with a glossy amalgam of red and black fruits dominating a bouquet that is complexed with cocoa and spice / anise notes. The palate is very smooth and comforting – with the classic fruit flavours of good Hawke’s Bay Merlot supported by a luxe layer of mocha / chocolate. The finish shows soft acidity that keeps those luscious chocolate flavours ticking over, and the lasting impression here is very together and complete.  Wine of this calibre for $17.99 is a great find for careful shoppers. Open a bottle whenever you feel the need.

Welcome to this week’s column – a down to earth look at some interesting local and international releases that I have come across over the last few weeks.

Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Rosé 2022 - France

Available from $19.99

This is a lovely example of modern Mediterranean Rosé from the Pays d’Oc region of Southern France. Vinted from grenache, this is a crunchy, vibrant expression with a textbook bouquet of red fruits, white flowers and citrus. The palate is just a kiss off bone-dry, and the central core of semi-ripe red fruits is balanced with a juicier element from those glossy grenache grapes. That ‘glossiness’ brings a luxe feeling to proceedings, elevating this 2022 release above the vast majority of the French Rosés I have tasted in this price band this year. Fresh acidity and a touch of mineral salinity rounds off the finish, and the result is both deliciously fresh and very well balanced – a perfect rosé option to enjoy with or without food. It comes highly recommended.

Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Nelson

Available from $12.99

Never fall into the trap of thinking that good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t have the ability to age gracefully. Two years on from harvest this lush 2022 Waimea release is looking particularly sharp and still has years of gas left in the tank. Personally, I far prefer Kiwi Sauvignons with at least a year’s bottle age, when that initial, overt acidity has dialed down a bit and the wine takes on a softer, less aggressive stance. That’s definitely what’s going on here. The zip and zing of Nelson Sauvignon remains in full effect, but the passionfruit and tropical fruits the region is so well known for shine a bit clearer with that racy acidity running less interference. Some subtle herbal and tomato leaf tinges add a complexing touch on the nose and palate – and there is certainly a lot of good things going on in the glass here. An absolute bargain for sauvignon disciples to seek out.

Calmel & Joseph Collection Chardonnay 2022 – France

Available from $19.99

The explosion of quality winemaking in southern France over the last two decades has revolutionised French wine exports - with Pays d’Oc and the wider Languedoc-Roussillon region responsible for a plethora of truly rewarding labels.  And it’s not just ‘Provence-esque’ Rosé making waves in the international market. Rock solid releases like this lovely Calmel & Joseph Chardonnay are gaining wide attention as a value alternative to the more expensive Burgundian options. From the 2022 vintage, this is a fine example of middleweight French Chardonnay with plenty of creamy palate weight and detail packed into the glass. Oak aging in seasoned barrels has added plush texture and spice to the wine, but those clean chardonnay fruits remain the star of the show. It's warm and friendly chardonnay with the generosity that New Zealanders are typically drawn to, while a touch of minerality on the finish brings a layer of extra sophistication.

Anciano Tempranillo Classico 2020 - Spain

Available from $16.99

The Anciano range, imported into New Zealand by the inimitable Steve Bennett MW, has a well won reputation with Spanish wine fans in the New Zealand market, and this juicy tempranillo is another Anciano wine to add to your must try list. Vinted from 30-year-old vines, this is a middleweight expression made for any occasion drinking. The inherent ‘user-friendliness’ of tempranillo’s spicy, fleshy red and black fruits is immediately apparent, making it a great ‘one size fits all‘ option to open on a mid-week night when you’re after something interesting and satisfying - but you don’t want to push the boat out too far. While this is technically a dry wine, those supple tempranillo fruits and mellow tannins mean you don’t need food to pour yourself a glass but match it with Mediterranean dishes for added enjoyment. Great value.

Theory & Practice Merlot 2020 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $16.99

Produced by respected Hawke’s Bay based winemaker Ant Mackenzie, this is polished, highly detailed merlot from the excellent 2020 growing season.  Notes of blackcurrant, plum, vanilla and graphite show on the nose and flow through to a silky, full-bodied palate that brims with character and charm. Touches of ‘pencil lead’ and sweet mocha bring complexity and further interest to the party, while the finish is long and fresh, with slinky tannins and layers of creamy acidity. This is good wine – and no one could argue that buying wine of this calibre under the key $20 mark is a godsend for fans of small batch Hawke’s Bay reds. Put a couple of bottles on the table the next time you have the family around for a classic roast and wait for the compliments on your wine choice to come your way.

Taylors Historical Collection Reserve Tawny Port – Portugal

Available from $68.99

A decadent glass of Port at the end of a memorable meal is a fast-dying ritual in this part of the world, so I wanted to remind you of the sheer joy that a glass of decent Port can offer.  The Taylor's Historical series is a collection of specially blended, cask-aged Ports presented in exclusive bespoke bottles inspired by historic bottle moulds.  ‘The Mallet’ is the third wine in the series and is an assemblage from Taylor’s extensive aged tawny stocks. Opulent, rich and mellow, it comes loaded with plum and raisin characters that are complexed with oak spice and cashew / hazelnut notes. It fills every crevice of your palate with these flavours – with a warming finish that moves into the caramel, sweet toffee spectrum. Match with roasted nuts and hard cheeses at the end of the night and wait for the angels to chime in.

Welcome back to a new year of my vinous ramblings. As always, I’ll try and keep things informative and as down to earth as possible and give you a few good reasons to seek out the wines I am recommending. It’s always irked me that so much of the New Zealand wine press has traditionally focused on products that sit well outside the comfort zone of the average buyer, so I will continue to predominantly write about wines that fit within an affordable price band. If I can convince readers to step outside their stable of tried and true favourites and chance their arm on something new, I will consider my job here is done.

Perrin La Vielle Ferme Rose 2022 – France

Available from $19.99

Perrin are one of the great Southern Rhone producers, with a worldwide following for both their fine  made Rhone wine, and this 2022 release will be very appealing to fans of dry French Rosé. Vinted from a blend of cinsault, grenache and syrah, it is bright and fresh in the classic southern Rhone tradition but brings more savoury flavours and some tannic structure to the party. The cinsault component kicks in some saline notes and stony minerality, but the lasting impression here are those crunchy red fruits and that lovely, lingering acidity. Like most Rhone Rosés, it’s better with food. Match with a long summer lunch, or with a drinks platter as you watch the sun go down.

Ara Resolute Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Marlborough

Available from $16.99

Contrary to popular opinion, well-made New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can age gracefully for up to a decade, and 3 years on from harvest, this 2021 release from Ara is looking in very fine form. This is quality wine, that has enjoyed plenty of attention in the winery. Partial fermentation in large, seasoned German oak Fuder barrels has added weight and texture to the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon model, but those regional passionfruit, citrus, capsicum and green herb flavours shine through from start to finish. I like how the acidity has dialed down over time, and though this wine remains unmistakably vibrant and fresh, those racier notes on the finish show in a softer light in 2024. If you typically find Marlborough Sauvignon too zesty and fresh for your palate, a glass of Ara Resolute might just be a real eye-opener.

Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $31.99

Askerne has been a roll over the last few years and this 2022 release is another excellent wine from a producer who deserves much wider recognition for the calibre of their portfolio. From a challenging vintage, this 2022 Reserve is a study in modern, barrel fermented Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. The nose shows textbook layers of ripe stonefruit and citrus with a reductive touch of flinty gun smoke adding a modern note. The palate is full-bodied and broad with creamy lemon flavours and some obvious oak spice balancing out those ripe stonefruits. The finish is plush and long with nicely pitched acidity rounding out the conversation. Everything is in its place. Everything is balanced and harmonious. I loved it. If you’re a fan of robust, premium styled, barrel fermented Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, Askerne Reserve 2022 should definitely be on your list.

d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2020 – Australia 

Available from $13.99

d'Arenberg’s Stump Jump has always been associated with their hugely popular GSM, but more recent additions to the Stump Jump range have also been very well received. Of the red options I have tasted the cabernet merlot is the most ‘serious’ by some margin, with drier mouthfeel and a more savoury palate in the blackcurrant spectrum. Touches of leather and tobacco from the cabernet component kick off proceedings before the merlot and petit verdot aspect of the blend bring softer flavours of plum and cherry into play. It’s friendly and comes with good palate flow - and as such it would make an excellent choice for casual BBQs or summer gatherings. Fun fact: the Stump Jump label is designed as an eye test. According to d'Arenberg winemaker Chester Osborn, if you can hold the bottle at arm’s length and can still read the label, then you're good to have another glass! 

Rebelde Alentejano Tinto 2020 – Portugal 

Available from $18.99

Portuguese reds are one of the hottest trends in wine now. I always think of them as having darker and more broody flavours than their Spanish neighbours and more generosity and juicy charm than the wines of Italy – and that’s exactly what you get with this 2020 blend from Rebelde. Vinted from touriga nacional, syrah, petit verdot & alicante bouschet, it offers loads of soft dark fruits set in a juicy framework with enough oak and tannic structure to always keep you engaged. That easy drinking Portuguese charm is certainly there in full effect and this interesting wine would be a perfect option for a casual gathering - as it is equally at home with or without food.

Bodegas Santa Ana Reserve Malbec 2021 – Argentina

Available from $21.99

Argentinian Malbec has long been one of the best value options available for red wine drinkers looking for palate weight and concentration. It is such a safe category to explore and this 2021 release from Santa Ana personifies the sheer bang for your buck that the wines of South America are synonymous with. This is a big, bold wine with flavours in the blackberry / blueberry zone and some nice, fresh, tannic grip. It has been oak aged, and the wood spice characters from seasoned barrels add to the experience, while some vanillin notes from the American oak component bring in another subtle layer of complexity. It’s a quality red; fulsome, rewarding and very well priced. Match with a quality cut of wood fired beef immediately.

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Sherwood Estate Stratum Riesling 2022 – Waipara Valley

Available from $14.99

I have long admired the sheer value that Sherwood Estate’s Stratum label offers the wine buying public and this 2022 Riesling is another bargain release from this trusted North Canterbury producer. There is something magical about Waipara Valley Riesling and this example shows layers of lime and sweet citrus that dance over a juicy, medium-dry palate. Those fleshy, exuberant, sweeter characters are nicely balanced with fresh acidity and the finish is long and very refreshing. It’s hard not to like and is ideally suited to casual occasions when something zingy and vibrant is the order of the day. The sugar / acid combo makes it an excellent partner for spicy dishes but this wicked little over achiever would also work well paired with soft cheeses. Great buying.

Mount Brown Pinot Gris 2022 – North Canterbury

Available from $14.99

Here is another North Canterbury wine that clearly outperforms its humble price point. The juicy, succulent flavours of aromatic Waipara white wines are in full effect with this release and the 2022 pinot gris from Mount Brown shows plenty of swagger and confidence. Medium-dry with classic pear, pipfruit and melon on the nose, the palate shows good weight, lush texture and brings plenty of spiced nashi pear flavours to the party - with some honey / lime notes playing an excellent secondary role. I also noted a distinct ‘Juicyfruit’ chewing gum character before soft acidity rounded out this wine. Fans of off-dry pinot gris will find a lot to like here and those unmistakable Waipara fruits remain the star of the show from start to finish. Another absolute bargain from this wonderful growing region.       

Elephant Hill Chardonnay 2021 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $29.99

This is a fine example of barrel-fermented, coastal New Zealand Chardonnay. The nose is alive with regional stonefruits, citrus and oak spice, while a maritime, saline note adds both complexity and sense of place. The palate is rich and textured with lots of action in the glass. Nectarine and lemon flavours shine on a generous palate, with toasted nuts and spicy barrel-ferment notes adding further interest. The oak treatment has been deftly handled - adding weight and complexity to the conversation but never taking over proceedings – and the finish is long and supple with rounded acidity. This lovely wine is already a treat and well-priced for the quality it offers. Enjoy now with lemon spiked chicken dishes or over the coming 5+ years.

Craggy Range Rosé 2022 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $29.99

This is the best Craggy Range Rosé I have tasted to date. Vinted predominantly from merlot (81%) with some tempranillo adding juiciness and spice, it is bright, light salmon-pink in the glass in the style of the classic Provence Rosés. The bouquet is delicately poised and very attractive, with red summer fruits, white florals and a subtle chalky note. These characters flow gracefully through to frame a dry palate that nonetheless has a juiciness to its core, and the instant impression is both charming and very moreish. From a challenging 2022 Hawkes Bay vintage, this release nails the interplay between dryness / acidity and the fleshy, berry fruit characters that have made ‘Provencesque’ New Zealand Rose’s such a hit in our local market. It’s a cracker. Match with some afternoon sun and a ham sandwich as soon as possible. 

Paritua Stone Paddock Merlot 2020 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $19.99

My admiration for the winemaking skills of Jason Stent and his Paritua team is well known, and this is another excellent release from a producer who sits at the top table of Hawke’s Bay red wine production. Vinted from 100% estate grown merlot, this is a softy fulsome expression that has enjoyed an optimal growing season in 2020. The nose shows regional plum and oak spice, while the palate is supple and very smooth - with dark plum flavours and blackberry characters overlaying nuances of barrel notes and anise. The finish is very approachable with good tannic structure and layers of creamy acidity refreshing the mouth. I would decant it if serving it over the next year or two, to dial down those tannins and amplify those silky fruit flavours. Very good value.        

Chateau Saint-Roch Corbarol Cotes du Roussillon 2020 – France

Available from $22.99

I am a complete sucker for the dark, juicy reds of southern France and this grenache (65%) / syrah blend is right up my alley. Produced under the Saint-Roch label by Domaine Lafage, this is glossy, succulent wine with the plush flavours of the grenache component ably supported by the more serious and structured syrah aspect of the blend. Black cherry, dried herb and baking spike characters flow seamlessly from the nose through to a silky palate that works equally well with, or without food. It’s delicious - and a great option for those who like weighty Central Otago Pinot Noir but are looking for something a bit more full-bodied. I’d match this wine with a lazy Sunday and a good Spotify playlist, but a spicy vegetable bake would work equally well. 

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Chateau Saint Roch Le Rose 2021 - France

Available from $28.99

From the Cotes du Roussillon comes this fine example of dry Mediterranean Rosé. Pale and silky pink in the glass, it fits the crisp and light rosé model that is so popular right now and has the classic lightly creamy raspberry / strawberry / watermelon flavours you would expect from good southern French Rosé. What sets this wine apart from the pack is a crunchy, bone-dry palate with layers of salivating mineral, slightly saline characters. Those mineral notes bring a refreshing seriousness to the conversation and make this 2021 release best suited to be enjoyed with food. It will be a wonderful partner to a tangy salad or fresh seafood dishes, or better still, match with a ham sandwich for a sunny afternoon snack. 

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2018 - Australia

Available from $23.99

I have a huge soft spot for this classic South Australian Riesling and many, many glasses of Pewsey Vale have been savoured in the Macpherson household over the years. Produced under the umbrella ownership of Yalumba’s Hill-Smith family, this is a traditionally dry Eden Valley style with juicy lime and zesty citrus flavours dominating a palate that is brimming with vibrancy and acidity. It’s a perfect aperitif – lively, stimulating wine that will set the scene for a casual night with friends and get everyone wondering why they don’t drink riesling more often. Five years on from harvest this lovely wine is looking pristine and sharp with a hint of bottle-aged lanolin flavour starting to show. It comes very highly recommended. 

Palliser Pencarrow Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Martinborough 

Available from $17.99

In my book, Pencarrow Sauvignon Blanc has long set the value bar for Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc and the winery has done another great job with this 2022 release. Passionfruit and crisp lime notes are the calling cards for Martinborough Sauvignon and Pencarrow has both in full effect. The palate is nicely textural with good weight and those punchy passionfruit characters are underpinned with some tomato leaf / herbal complexity. Plenty of soft acidity rounds out the finish but those clean citrus and juicy tropical fruits remain the star of the show. If acid / fruit balance is the key to good sauvignon blanc, Palliser Estate have walked that tightrope with aplomb. This is lovely, well-priced wine from one of the great North Island producers, and I am sure that many of Palliser’s peers would be happy to call this ‘entry level’ wine their flagship sauvignon release.

Trinity Hill Merlot 2020 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $19.99

If you are shopping in the $20 bracket for a bottle of good Hawke’s Bay Merlot, you’ll go a long way before finding a better option than this. This is a gorgeous example of uncomplicated, fruit forward merlot that has been designed for pleasure and easy enjoyment. On the nose it’s loaded with textbook plum and spice with some oak influence adding an extra element of depth. The palate is softly flowing but has enough drive and energy to always keep you engaged. The finish is warm and friendly with supple tannins and refreshing soft acidity. I often think the Hawke’s Bay winemakers try and cram too much structure into red wines in this price band - when what the public is really looking for is a rounder and more gluggable glass of wine. Trinity Hill have nailed that style with this excellent 2020 release and it fully deserves to be on your radar the next time you go wine shopping.

Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot 2016 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $39.99

The new owners of Sacred Hill have discounted some of their Special Selection portfolio to move older stocks that have not been overseen by their new winemaker, Nick Picone – a man who has won more New Zealand Winemaker of the Year titles than anyone I can think of. This has thrown some uncanny bargains into the retail market and collectors of fine New Zealand reds should be on the lookout for these exciting opportunities. Now available under $40, Helmsman is a case study in topflight Hawke’s Bay Cabernet dominant wine (the 2016 is a blend of 56% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot & 22% cabernet franc.) Powerfully perfumed with blackcurrant, plum, dried tobacco, and green herbage notes, this wine explodes on the palate with a tour de force display of red and black fruits, and nicely grippy tannins. The merlot and cabernet franc components bring plushness and some warmer chocolate notes into the mid-palate, but the lasting impression here is one of power and grace. This compelling wine is drinking superbly now and will hold in that optimum window for the coming 7-8 years. I bought a dozen. 

d'Arenberg d'Arrys Grenache Shiraz 2019 – Australia

Available from $18.99

No one could argue that d’Arenberg are one of the most loved of all the McLaren Vale producers. Much of their substantial reputation has been built around their skillful interplay with shiraz / grenache blends; two varietals that work especially well together in the cooler climate of the maritime McLaren Vale region. It’s such an attractive wine style for anytime drinking, and if you haven’t tried a glass of Australian Grenache / Shiraz before, this well-priced example would be an excellent place to start. The glossy dark fruits of the grenache component (64%) drive the 2019 on the nose and palate before the shiraz part of the blend picks up the ball and pushes it forward bringing more weight and tannic structure into play. It’s an unashamedly joyful wine that’s been made for easy enjoyment – a perfect option to enjoy on the couch with your favourite TV show.   

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Mount Brown Estate Riesling 2019 – North Canterbury

Available from $15.99
Let’s kick off this column with a real winner. There is something very special about the Waipara / North Canterbury growing region and few will argue that it has a real affinity for aromatic white wines - especially pinot gris and riesling. Those layers of lush, tropical Waipara fruits are certainly in full effect with this striking 2019 release from Mount Brown Estate. Vinted in the medium-dry style that suits North Canterbury Riesling so well, this is a juicy wine that classically matches fresh acidity in the lemon / lime spectrum, with notes of honeysuckle sweetness that round out the palate. It’s zesty and bright in the mouth, and while those residual sugar notes add depth and immediate approachability, they never take over the conversation and allow those pristine fruits flavours to remain centre stage. It’s just so inviting and, like everyone else in the wine trade, I wish that this distinctive wine style would garner more favour with the New Zealand wine buying public. In my experience, if you ask someone if they would like a glass of medium-dry riesling, they will often say “No”. But if you give them a glass of good medium-dry riesling, they will almost always say “Wow, that’s delicious!” Match this lovely wine with spicy Asian cuisine, and watch everyone jostle for a second glass.

Te Awanga Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $19.99
Wildsong is a new range from Te Awanga that has been conceived to broaden the winery’s appeal in international markets. The United States has been an important target. Early indications are that the American market has been very receptive to the Wildsong launch, with the sauvignon blanc being especially popular. With the proliferation of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs in the export channel, it’s good to see a new Hawke’s Bay label doing so well and this 2021 release offers the vibrant flavours of sauvignon blanc with some regional stone fruit nuances entering the mix. It’s crisp and dry with some nice textural elements in the mouth and the finish is long with good fruit weight and acid balance. A subtle hint of ‘tomato stalk’ / capsicum adds a further touch of complexity.

Babich Irongate Chardonnay 2020 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $34.99
Irongate is Babich’s flagship chardonnay offering and one of the best-known premium chardonnay labels in the New Zealand market. Produced since the mid 1980s, the Irongate style has evolved over time with recent releases heading down a more refined and elegant path, that nonetheless retain the underlying power and drive that Irongate is synonymous with. Fruit is drawn from Babich’s Gimblett Gravels ‘Irongate’ site, and those stony soils have added a refreshing layer of minerality to a wine that clearly needs to be cellared to be seen at its best. In its youth the 2020 is tight. Spicy oak and stone fruits on the nose flow through to a fresh palate, where grapefruit and nutty complexity add further interest. The finish is vibrant with crisp chardonnay notes enhanced with plenty of acidity. If you’re in the market for a ‘drink now’ premium chardonnay I can think of many more attractive options, but if you lay some of this excellent wine down, your patience will be handsomely rewarded from 2025 onwards.

Mills Reef Estate Merlot Cabernet 2020 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $17.99
The Mills Reef Estate range has long been a value benchmark offering good, honest wines at very realistic price points. Merlot dominant (72%) and offering plenty of soft flavours in the blackberry and dark plum spectrum, this middleweight red comes from a very good vintage in Hawke’s Bay. On the nose it is immediately inviting and the palate is softly expressed with supple tannins and touches of toasty oak and anise spice. It’s uncomplicated but a very rewarding glass of wine, and in my opinion, that is exactly what you are looking for in Hawke’s Bay red in this price band. Recommended.

Chateau Jalousie Beaulieu Bordeaux Superieur 2018 – France

Available from $19.99
One of the great advances I have seen in my time in the wine trade is the availability of good value French reds in our local market. For most of my career, Bordeaux blends in the NZ$20 bracket would almost certainly have been thin and poorly structured, but now retailers’ shelves are full of deserving wines that give curious shoppers an insight into the wonderful world of French red wine. Indeed, there are some great bargains to be had, and this is one of them. Estate grown by Jalousie Beaulieu, this is a very good example of modern Bordeaux Superieur. Merlot dominant (90%) it shows a nose that is redolent with spicy fruits and a quite glossy palate that flows easily with an array of red and black berry flavours. There is enough tannin to firm up the finish, but this wine has been made to be approachable in its youth, and it does that job very well. It’s a great option to bust out a dinner party and will pair beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables. No one will believe that you only paid $20 for it, that’s for sure.

Dandelion Vineyards Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Australia

Available from $27.99
We end this column with a real bang. Vinted from fruit from the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, this is a richly weighted and firmly structured cabernet from a winery who love to cram their releases with flavour. On the nose it’s classic South Australian Cabernet with a complex array of dried herb and tobacco characters sitting over spicy dark fruits. The palate is dry and fulsome with plenty of tannic grip, while layers of creamy acidity support broody fruit flavours complexed by leather, baking spices and more tobacco notes. This is big, powerful wine that really needs food for it to shine, but hard-core devotees of good Australian Cabernet will still be enamoured with this wine as ‘by itself’ option. It’s not for the faint hearted, but it is very good. Cellar over the coming decade or more to see it reach its full potential.

Not many New Zealand retailers have sold more wine than Mac and his personal recommendations come from one of the industry's safest sets of hands. Regardless of the price point you like to shop in, Mac's Picks will always be great buying and totally delicious. You have his word on it.

Sherwood Laverique Methode Traditionelle Reserve 2014 - Waipara Valley

Available from $33.99.
Laverique has long been one of my favourite New Zealand sparkling wines. Produced from Waipara fruit using the time honoured methode traditionelle process, this is a rounded and lightly creamy style that fills every corner of your mouth with flavour. 2014 was a very good growing season in Waipara and the final blend for this vintage release was 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay. On the nose, citrus and cashew nut aromas mix with some deeper brioche / baked biscuit notes, while the palate shines with layers of soft citrus and yeasty complexity. This is generous, punchy methode from Sherwood, and those rounder flavours and loaded mid-palate weight sit very well with me. The finish is bright with lingering dryness and well-balanced, refreshing acidity. It’s just so satisfying. For pure sensory enjoyment, I’d open a bottle of Laverique before many of the big brand Champagnes that so many Kiwis seem to fawn over. It comes highly recommended.

Dr Loosen Dr L Riesling 2020 - Germany

Available from $19.99
After writing about Villa Wolf Pinot Gris in my last column, I thought it was only fair to look at a classic release from Erni Loosen, the driving force behind the Villa Wolf brand and a veritable legend of German aromatic wine production. Like everyone in the wine trade, I despair about riesling’s lack of popularity with the wider buying public. A good glass of chilled riesling is a truly beautiful thing and DR L is about as ‘user-friendly’ as Mosel Riesling can get. Off-dry and very juicy, this wine opens on the nose with white flower, pear and honeysuckle aromas before the palate kicks into gear with salivating citrus flavours and layers of zesty acidity. Those zesty notes rock on through to a crisp, long finish that stays alive with more tangy acidity and lingering fresh lime nuances. At 8.5% alcohol it’s light and bright in every regard and should be on the shopping list of every wine fan who is reading this column. It’s recognised as one of the world’s great wine bargains with good reason. Track a bottle down immediately.

Kahurangi Estate Mt Arthur Reserve Chardonnay 2019 - Nelson

Available from $24.99
Mount Arthur Reserve Chardonnay is my pick of the wines from Kahurangi, a producer with an extensive portfolio of estate grown wines. This is classic Nelson barrel-fermented Chardonnay in every sense. The nose shows sweet citrus, red apple, tea biscuit and sweet vanillin notes. The palate fills the mouth with ripe peach and sweet lemon flavours with ample wood spice and those hints of buttered toast that chardonnay aficionados adore. A vein of creamy acidity nicely rounds out the conversation. This rewarding wine is already looking very sharp, but cellar over the coming five years to further fatten up that palate and integrate those plush stone fruits and crisp acids.

Mount Edward Ted Pinot Noir 2020 - Central Otago

Available from $31.99
Ted is the entry level label for much loved Central Otago producer, Mount Edward. Under the watchful eye of Duncan Forsyth – one of the great characters of the New Zealand winemaking fraternity - Mount Edward has evolved into a very trusted winery with Ted acting as a drink young counterpoint to the more structured and serious Mount Edward range. The 2020 Ted Pinot Noir certainly delivers the goods. Vinted from estate grown fruit, this organic offering brings soft and juicy dark fruits to the party in an approachable package that is detailed with herbal notes, spicy oak and a subtle lick of anise. It’s a fresh and ‘alive’ offering that’s been made to enjoy whenever the mood strikes, but your first glass will reveal an underlying savoury character that remains the calling card for any Mount Edward Pinot release.

Paul Jaboulet Ainé Syrah 2018 - France

Available from $18.99
Jaboulet is one of the great names in French wine making. Though best known for fine wines from the Rhone Valley, the company sometimes uses fruit from other regions to flesh out their more ‘affordable’ options and this 2018 release is a blend of syrah from the Rhone and the Languedoc appellation, which lies further to the south. Given the price point, this multi-regional blend is quite bold and generous. It’s all spicy plum and licorice on the nose, while the palate brims with an amalgam of savoury red / black fruits, plenty of spice and a delightful medicinal note that is so often the hallmark of good French Syrah. This wine is unoaked but skilful winemaking allows those powerful syrah flavours to shine through, and the lasting result is very satisfying indeed. It remains a mystery to me how wine of this calibre can be shipped halfway around the world to be sold here in New Zealand for less than twenty dollars. Put a cassoulet in the oven immediately.  

Sons of Eden Marschall Barossa Shiraz 2020 - Australia

Available from $29.99
This one is a bit of a showstopper. I am a huge fan of winemaker Corey Ryan, who seems to capture the essence of the ‘new Barossa’ with his very successful Sons of Eden label. Marschall epitomises that modern approach, where Barossa’s traditional desire to cram every bottle with powerful flavours has been eschewed for a more refined approach where deliciousness, and outright drinkability top the bill. Make no mistake, this 2020 release is still a big, lavish wine, but those blackcurrant jam characters that the Barossa is synonymous with have been dialed down, and matched with fresher acidity on the finish. Only recently released, this 2020 Shiraz is already a very attractive option. Match with roasted vegetables or your favourite prime cut to hear the angels sing.    

BBQ Reds

We might be heading into Autumn but BBQ season is still in full swing. We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite, budget-friendly reds that pair perfectly with grilled food and are sure to be a hit the next time you have a get-together.

Cognoscente Syrah 2019- Hawke's Bay

Available from $19.99
Cognoscente is a new label, brought to life by celebrated winemaker Ant Mackenzie and well known wine distributor Jeannine McCallum. Medium-weight and vibrant, it is a good example of juicy, modern Hawke’s Bay Syrah that flows easily in the mouth. For wines in this price point, it’s always good to see winemakers clearly putting satisfying drinkability before firmness or palate structure, and this is a pretty wine that shines with flavours in the dark fruit and cranberry spectrum. I noted some exotic spice on the finish that was brightened with creamy acidity. The tannins were supple and soft, melding nicely with the fruit component and that lick of fresh acid.

Te Awa Single Estate Merlot Cabernet 2018 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $19.99
This is good wine. Te Awa, which falls under the troubled Villa Maria umbrella, is undergoing some portfolio changes and the highly regarded Single Vineyard series is being discontinued – with the 2018 the last of the single estate merlot cabernet line. It is a classic expression of the modern Hawke’s Bay style; a generous and quite fulsome release that fills the palate with an amalgam of spicy dark fruits, with supple tannins and notes of French oak underpinning the conversation. The finish has enough tannin to suggest good cellar potential and those silky tannins partner well with a lovely seam of creamy acidity. 2018 was a good vintage in Hawke’s Bay and this wine is only now entering its ideal drinking window. If you enjoy New Zealand Merlot / Cabernet blends and have $20 in your pocket, this would be an excellent choice.

Yalumba Y Series Tempranillo 2020 - South Australia

Available from 11.99
Yalumba’s Y Series range of well-priced quaffers has long been a favourite at Advintage and the tempranillo has always been a star performer that punches well above its weight. This Aussie take on the ubiquitous red wine of Spain shows an amalgam of red and black fruits with some mocha complexity and a satisfying finish with supple tannins and enough acidity to keep the conversation fresh. Often called ‘the blue jeans of wine’, tempranillo goes with anything and is suitable for almost any occasion. It’s the perfect ‘one size fits all’ red wine when you want to try something a little bit different, but don’t want to ostracise those friends who are traditional Aussie red drinkers.

De Martino Carmenere 2019 - Chile

Available from $17.99
This spicy red wine hails from Chile’s famed Maipo Valley, a million miles away from its spiritual home in Bordeaux, where carménère was once widely used to add depth and interest to cabernet sauvignon and merlot dominant blends. Now firmly recognised as Chile’s signature varietal, carménère is a full bodied red wine that shares some similarities with merlot, but typically brings funky herbal / tobacco elements to the party, along with a distinct cocoa or mocha notes. De Martino shows all those quirky characters, and this organic wine shows layers of red and black fruits on a silky palate and soft tannins. It’s a very appealing, food-friendly glass of wine that will suit a wide range of cuisine. The 2019 is good to go now, and will stay in optimum health over the coming 5-6 years.

Montidori Sangiovese DOC Romagna 2020 – Italy

Available from $19.99
Sangiovese is the spicy, middle-weight red wine that is most famous as the main varietal in Chianti.  Montidori is produced further north-east from Chianti, in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, and it is a lovely glass of wine. Vinted in a bold and fulsome style by sangiovese standards, the 2020 uses parcels of sun-dried fruit in the fermentation to bring added concentration and depth to the palate. Notes of caramel from those sun-dried fruits sit nicely alongside the dark sangiovese fruits and this wine fills the mouth with flavour. Chianti can be dry and quite tight on the finish but this DOC Romagna release is very smooth and those spicy red fruits and supple tannins just go on and on. It’s hard not to love this wine. It’s generous and fulfilling without being pushy or overblown, and it is very much an Advintage favourite.

Farm Hand Organic Shiraz 2020 (975ml) – South Australia

Available from $19.99
The funky 975ml ‘squealers’ are obviously the first thing to catch your eye here, but the jug-like bottles are backed up with a very solid representation of full-bodied South Australian red. Vinted from organic Monash Valley fruit, this is soft and approachable wine that has been vinted in a generous fashion that celebrates the fleshier side of shiraz. This release is all about fruit forward drinkability, where structure and robust tannins are eschewed in favour of slurpy drinkability. Expect to see some subtle wood spice, flavours of dark blackberry, some mocha hints and soft tannins. Good value at $19.99 for 975ml.

AUTUMN REDS

As another glorious Hawke's Bay summer fades away and we enter the cooler autumn months, a whole new world of flavour awaits.

In our household this means we enter the season of slow cooked foods. Soothing risottos; tender braised meats and slow roasted vegetables move centre stage and it's time for comforting red wines to warm us as winter approaches.

I like to drink widely as a rule and try as many new wines as I can, but every year at this time I buy case lots of some of the favourite reds I have tried in recent months. Typically these wines are not expensive and they form the basis of our mid week drinking. They are what I call 'pleasure wines' - uncomplicated but nonetheless delicious releases that I can open with confidence whenever friends come around but a special occasion wine isn't called for. Here is a selection of the wines that made the cut this year.

Quarisa Q Malbec 2020 - South Australia
Available from $15.99
This is a luxuriously full bodied release produced by Johnny Quarisa - a man who knows more than most about packing flavour into a glass of red wine. It showcases the meaty characters that Malbec is so famous for, but frames those flavours in a silken palate that can only be South Australian. It's rich and opulent but the supple tannins make it a great any occasion red. Habitual Shiraz buyers will love it.

Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2017 - Rhone, France
Available from $27.99
This remarkable wine always features in my winter playlist and the 2017 is another class act from this iconic Rhone producer. Syrah dominant with beautifully ripe Grenache in support, this savoury wine is loaded with dark fruits on a medium bodied palate. It's an affordable option when you want to open a truly classic French red but don't want to push the boat out too far.

Elefante el Valiente Tempranillo 2019 - Spain
Available from $16.99
We drink a lot of Tempranillo in our house. It's the 'blue jeans' of wine - a comfortable, friendly varietal that pretty much goes with everything. This one from the lauded Fourth Wave portfolio is a typically medium bodied release with juicy red Tempranillo fruits sitting over a darker and quite concentrated palate. There's some spicy oak and creamy acidity on the finish but this wine is all about simple, easy pleasure.