Mac's Picks – 26 August 2023

Mac's Picks – 26 August 2023

26/08/2023

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.

Grande Cuvee 1531 de Aimery Brut Rosé NV - France

Available from $24.99

Vinted from a blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc and pinot noir, and bottle-fermented using the trusted Méthode Traditionnelle process, this is a very good example of Crémant de Limoux Rosé from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the south of France. It’s all red summer fruits, peach and citrus on the nose with some yeasty characters adding a further quality note. The palate is very fresh and vibrant with those soft red fruits and fleshy strawberry flavours to the fore, while the finish is clean and long with layers of creamy acidity keeping things tight and in check. Crémant de Limoux comes with a reputation as a well-priced Champagne alternative, and this delightful rosé certainly lives up to that. Obvious value, and the quality presentation adds another layer of luxe appeal.

Durvillea Pinot Gris 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $15.99

Durvillea is the popular ‘entry level’ brand of Astrolabe, one of Marlborough’s finest and most critically lauded producers. Interestingly, the quirky Durvillea name comes from a seaweed variety that winemaker Simon Waghorn, a seaweed geek(!), studied at university – but there’s nothing quirky about the value driven Durvillea range. They give you access to the skill and precision of the Astrolabe team at a very reasonable price, and this 2022 release is a classic interpretation of modern Marlborough Pinot Gris. Brimming with off-dry, juicy pear and semi-ripe stonefruit characters, it’s a lightly textural style with plenty of zip and zing on the palate. It’s a whisker off-dry, bringing subtle spice and ginger to the party, and finishes very clean with some wet stone / mineral notes adding extra complexity.

Codici Rosato 2022 - Italy 

Available from $14.99

Here’s a bargain. Rosé doesn’t come much more crisp and refreshing that Codici, and this lovely wine is a textbook example of the dry Italian Rosés that are taking the world by storm. Vinted from negroamaro, this wine hails from the Puglia region in Italy’s south, and it shines with very attractive, light copper hues in the glass. On the nose you’ll find cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry notes that flow through to a dry, crunchy palate that opens up in the mouth to reveal some underlying juicier flavours. The finish is very long and zesty with plenty of acidity making this delightful wine a perfect partner to seafoods and salads or a charcuterie platter of salty, spicy meats. I urge you to give it a go. With New Zealand’s current obsession with the delicate flavours of southern French Rosé reaching overload, it’s time for Italian Rosato to have its time in the sun.

Tavernello Organico Sangiovese 2021 - Italy

Available from $16.99

Though a relative newcomer to our domestic market, Tavernello is the top selling wine brand within Italy and the #1 selling Italian wine brand in global markets. Given their consuming passion for wine, that’s a massive endorsement from the Italian wine buying public, and there have been some very impressive wines amongst the Tavernello range I have looked at to date. This is one of them. Vinted from handpicked, organic fruit, this 2021 sangiovese shows classic red fruits, dried herb and anise on the nose, and a savoury, well-weighted palate that shows real depth and balance for a wine in this price band. There is plenty of soft tannin on the finish with some lingering, savoury fruit notes. Given the tannic stricture, this wine is best served with food and, not surprisingly, is well suited to pizza, pasta and Mediterranean dishes.

Crimson Monster Shiraz 2022 – Australia

Available from $17.99

Crimson Monster is the latest label from the burgeoning Fourth Wave portfolio - a company who have certainly struck a chord with the New Zealand wine buying public. Snappy brand names and edgy labels may be the Fourth Wave hallmarks, but winemaking duties are overseen by Corey Ryan – a hugely experienced and respected vigneron who has always known how to put flavour and generosity into a glass of South Australian wine. Produced from McLaren Vale fruit, Crimson Monster is made in a fulsome, robust style that focusses on easy drinkability. It’s loaded with the classic flavours of good Aussie Shiraz but has been made to be sloshed into glasses and enjoyed with gusto – not pondered over and analyzed. It’s a charming mid-week option or a great red to open when friends gather for informal drinks. Match with loud conversation or a good Netflix binge session.     

Radburnd Cellars Syrah 2020 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $84.99

Taking things up several notches, is this wonderful Hawke’s Bay Syrah from celebrated winemaker, Kate Radburnd. Her eponymous brand has given Kate an outlet to release the very best wines she can produce, and each vintage sees chardonnay, syrah and merlot cabernet blends of the highest order offered for sale. Volumes are small. The wines are made without compromise, and have enjoyed considerable praise from the media and, perhaps more importantly, from Kate’s winemaking peers. This 2020 is my pick of the Radburnd Syrah’s I have tasted to date. Fragrant and loaded with black fruits, this wine bursts with notes of toasty oak, baking spice, violets, and anise on the nose. The palate is vibrant and alive with flowing layers of plum and cherry sitting over that heady mix of oak and spice, and the finish is deep and rewarding with enough tannin to calm the conversation and keep the palate focused and long. I loved it. If you are looking for a fine example of the modern Hawke’s Bay Syrah style, this excellent release offers world class quality – and is bargain priced by premium French Syrah standards.    

Mac's Picks – 26 August 2023

26/08/2023

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.

Grande Cuvee 1531 de Aimery Brut Rosé NV - France

Available from $24.99

Vinted from a blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc and pinot noir, and bottle-fermented using the trusted Méthode Traditionnelle process, this is a very good example of Crémant de Limoux Rosé from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the south of France. It’s all red summer fruits, peach and citrus on the nose with some yeasty characters adding a further quality note. The palate is very fresh and vibrant with those soft red fruits and fleshy strawberry flavours to the fore, while the finish is clean and long with layers of creamy acidity keeping things tight and in check. Crémant de Limoux comes with a reputation as a well-priced Champagne alternative, and this delightful rosé certainly lives up to that. Obvious value, and the quality presentation adds another layer of luxe appeal.

Durvillea Pinot Gris 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $15.99

Durvillea is the popular ‘entry level’ brand of Astrolabe, one of Marlborough’s finest and most critically lauded producers. Interestingly, the quirky Durvillea name comes from a seaweed variety that winemaker Simon Waghorn, a seaweed geek(!), studied at university – but there’s nothing quirky about the value driven Durvillea range. They give you access to the skill and precision of the Astrolabe team at a very reasonable price, and this 2022 release is a classic interpretation of modern Marlborough Pinot Gris. Brimming with off-dry, juicy pear and semi-ripe stonefruit characters, it’s a lightly textural style with plenty of zip and zing on the palate. It’s a whisker off-dry, bringing subtle spice and ginger to the party, and finishes very clean with some wet stone / mineral notes adding extra complexity.

Codici Rosato 2022 - Italy 

Available from $14.99

Here’s a bargain. Rosé doesn’t come much more crisp and refreshing that Codici, and this lovely wine is a textbook example of the dry Italian Rosés that are taking the world by storm. Vinted from negroamaro, this wine hails from the Puglia region in Italy’s south, and it shines with very attractive, light copper hues in the glass. On the nose you’ll find cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry notes that flow through to a dry, crunchy palate that opens up in the mouth to reveal some underlying juicier flavours. The finish is very long and zesty with plenty of acidity making this delightful wine a perfect partner to seafoods and salads or a charcuterie platter of salty, spicy meats. I urge you to give it a go. With New Zealand’s current obsession with the delicate flavours of southern French Rosé reaching overload, it’s time for Italian Rosato to have its time in the sun.

Tavernello Organico Sangiovese 2021 - Italy

Available from $16.99

Though a relative newcomer to our domestic market, Tavernello is the top selling wine brand within Italy and the #1 selling Italian wine brand in global markets. Given their consuming passion for wine, that’s a massive endorsement from the Italian wine buying public, and there have been some very impressive wines amongst the Tavernello range I have looked at to date. This is one of them. Vinted from handpicked, organic fruit, this 2021 sangiovese shows classic red fruits, dried herb and anise on the nose, and a savoury, well-weighted palate that shows real depth and balance for a wine in this price band. There is plenty of soft tannin on the finish with some lingering, savoury fruit notes. Given the tannic stricture, this wine is best served with food and, not surprisingly, is well suited to pizza, pasta and Mediterranean dishes.

Crimson Monster Shiraz 2022 – Australia

Available from $17.99

Crimson Monster is the latest label from the burgeoning Fourth Wave portfolio - a company who have certainly struck a chord with the New Zealand wine buying public. Snappy brand names and edgy labels may be the Fourth Wave hallmarks, but winemaking duties are overseen by Corey Ryan – a hugely experienced and respected vigneron who has always known how to put flavour and generosity into a glass of South Australian wine. Produced from McLaren Vale fruit, Crimson Monster is made in a fulsome, robust style that focusses on easy drinkability. It’s loaded with the classic flavours of good Aussie Shiraz but has been made to be sloshed into glasses and enjoyed with gusto – not pondered over and analyzed. It’s a charming mid-week option or a great red to open when friends gather for informal drinks. Match with loud conversation or a good Netflix binge session.     

Radburnd Cellars Syrah 2020 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $84.99

Taking things up several notches, is this wonderful Hawke’s Bay Syrah from celebrated winemaker, Kate Radburnd. Her eponymous brand has given Kate an outlet to release the very best wines she can produce, and each vintage sees chardonnay, syrah and merlot cabernet blends of the highest order offered for sale. Volumes are small. The wines are made without compromise, and have enjoyed considerable praise from the media and, perhaps more importantly, from Kate’s winemaking peers. This 2020 is my pick of the Radburnd Syrah’s I have tasted to date. Fragrant and loaded with black fruits, this wine bursts with notes of toasty oak, baking spice, violets, and anise on the nose. The palate is vibrant and alive with flowing layers of plum and cherry sitting over that heady mix of oak and spice, and the finish is deep and rewarding with enough tannin to calm the conversation and keep the palate focused and long. I loved it. If you are looking for a fine example of the modern Hawke’s Bay Syrah style, this excellent release offers world class quality – and is bargain priced by premium French Syrah standards.    

Mac's Picks – 12 August 2023

Mac's Picks – 12 August 2023

12/08/2023

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.

Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $32.99

This important wine will always feature in any discussion of the finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs and comes with an enviable reputation for its concentration and complexity. The 2022 vintage is another excellent expression that captures the maritime influences of the Wairau Valley. Wonderfully pungent with passionfruit, gooseberry, nettle and tomato leaf characters bursting from the nose, it’s a punchy wine that takes those characters from the bouquet and wraps them up in a lightly saline, herbal palate that shows plenty of tropical fruits and tangy layers of acidity. Full of energy and drive, it finishes long and enticingly fresh, with excellent tension between the fruit and acid components. If you want to taste one of the great New Zealand wines, grab a bottle and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. 

Locatour Creamy Chardonnay 2021 – California, USA

Available from $17.99

With the increasing popularity of Californian Chardonnays in our domestic market, few examples manage to sneak under the key $20 retail price barrier these days – so Locatour is sure to attract plenty of attention wherever it is sold. With ‘Creamy’ on the label, the scene is set for a rounded, fulsome wine - and that’s exactly what Locatour delivers. The nose is all about ripe peaches, pineapple and butterscotch, with some toasted oak characters playing a supporting role. The palate is rich and full-bodied with some fruit sweetness and vanillin oak adding to that stonefruit core – and the finish is soft and very creamy with some buttered popcorn / caramel flavours rounding things out. This is an uncomplicated, ‘midweek’ wine for those who like their chardonnay on the big and bold side of the street. No need to cellar. Match with lemon-spiked roasted chicken or your favourite carbonara pasta. 

Tread Softly Prosecco NV 

Available from $14.99

Another wine with some residual sugar that is fast developing a reputation with Kiwi buyers is Tread Softly Prosecco. Vinted from South Australian Glera (glera is the traditional prosecco grape), this is a soft, medium-bodied sparkling wine with flavours in the pear and apple spectrum and an underlying seam of honeysuckle. At just 9.9% alc/vol, it’s been designed to be a lighter style, but the palate delivers plenty of good fruit characters and the finish is clean and bright. Though not as crisp and vibrant as its Italian counterparts, it’s still very fresh and appealing with lost of juicy fruit action and a dash of soft acidity on the finish. Match with a drinks platter when the gang calls around.

Black Cottage Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago

Available from $19.99

This is good value. Vinted by Marlborough-based Black Cottage winemaker Dave Clouston, this 2021 release is looking very nicely integrated with a bouquet of red and black fruits, and a green herb / thyme note adding a direct link to the Cromwell and Alexandra vineyards that provided the fruit for this appealing wine. Two years on from harvest it is now entering its perfect drinking window, with primarily red cherry fruits driving things along. Some plum and spicy oak characters pick up that ball, adding further interest to a juicy palate that shows plenty of vibrancy and life. The finish shows some classic Central Otago game and forest floor nuances, and the closing tannins have enough grip to give this wine the structure it deserves. Enjoy over the coming 3-4 years with a venison casserole or duck tacos.

Perrin La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux 2020 – France

Available from $16.99

One of the great lessons to learn when you start looking more seriously at wine, is that wines don’t need to be big to be good. This lovely southern Rhone blend is the personification of that simple adage; a pleasure wine that puts sheer enjoyment and drinkability before palate weight and structure. It’s worth pointing out that Perrin are a very prestigious Rhone producer - the makers of the legendary Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They have been wine growers in the southern Rhone for centuries and are now recognised as the largest organic producer in the appellation. The Cotes du Ventoux sits towards the bottom of the Perrin brand hierarchy, but this deceptively simple blend of carignan, cinsault, grenache, and syrah is a very rewarding glass of wine. Enjoy it at the start of an evening with soft cheeses or a charcuterie selection.     

Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021 - Clare Valley, Australia.

Available from $19.99

This famous wine has long been one of the shiraz market’s best buys, but I thought that the newly released 2021 vintage is looking especially sharp. Fruit comes from Jim Barry’s renowned Lodge Hill vineyard in the Clare Valley – a region known for more elegant shiraz expressions that are typically fresher and more vibrant than their Barossa cousins. The palate is chock full of blueberry and cherry fruits with some blackberry notes and bramble spice adding further layers of complexity. There’s plenty of tannin but it is quite fine and integrated, and the oak component shows its presence but never tries to unbalance the equation. This is a mouth-filling, complete shiraz experience that defies this relatively humble price point. Excellent value.   

Mac's Picks – 12 August 2023

12/08/2023

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.

Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $32.99

This important wine will always feature in any discussion of the finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs and comes with an enviable reputation for its concentration and complexity. The 2022 vintage is another excellent expression that captures the maritime influences of the Wairau Valley. Wonderfully pungent with passionfruit, gooseberry, nettle and tomato leaf characters bursting from the nose, it’s a punchy wine that takes those characters from the bouquet and wraps them up in a lightly saline, herbal palate that shows plenty of tropical fruits and tangy layers of acidity. Full of energy and drive, it finishes long and enticingly fresh, with excellent tension between the fruit and acid components. If you want to taste one of the great New Zealand wines, grab a bottle and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. 

Locatour Creamy Chardonnay 2021 – California, USA

Available from $17.99

With the increasing popularity of Californian Chardonnays in our domestic market, few examples manage to sneak under the key $20 retail price barrier these days – so Locatour is sure to attract plenty of attention wherever it is sold. With ‘Creamy’ on the label, the scene is set for a rounded, fulsome wine - and that’s exactly what Locatour delivers. The nose is all about ripe peaches, pineapple and butterscotch, with some toasted oak characters playing a supporting role. The palate is rich and full-bodied with some fruit sweetness and vanillin oak adding to that stonefruit core – and the finish is soft and very creamy with some buttered popcorn / caramel flavours rounding things out. This is an uncomplicated, ‘midweek’ wine for those who like their chardonnay on the big and bold side of the street. No need to cellar. Match with lemon-spiked roasted chicken or your favourite carbonara pasta. 

Tread Softly Prosecco NV 

Available from $14.99

Another wine with some residual sugar that is fast developing a reputation with Kiwi buyers is Tread Softly Prosecco. Vinted from South Australian Glera (glera is the traditional prosecco grape), this is a soft, medium-bodied sparkling wine with flavours in the pear and apple spectrum and an underlying seam of honeysuckle. At just 9.9% alc/vol, it’s been designed to be a lighter style, but the palate delivers plenty of good fruit characters and the finish is clean and bright. Though not as crisp and vibrant as its Italian counterparts, it’s still very fresh and appealing with lost of juicy fruit action and a dash of soft acidity on the finish. Match with a drinks platter when the gang calls around.

Black Cottage Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago

Available from $19.99

This is good value. Vinted by Marlborough-based Black Cottage winemaker Dave Clouston, this 2021 release is looking very nicely integrated with a bouquet of red and black fruits, and a green herb / thyme note adding a direct link to the Cromwell and Alexandra vineyards that provided the fruit for this appealing wine. Two years on from harvest it is now entering its perfect drinking window, with primarily red cherry fruits driving things along. Some plum and spicy oak characters pick up that ball, adding further interest to a juicy palate that shows plenty of vibrancy and life. The finish shows some classic Central Otago game and forest floor nuances, and the closing tannins have enough grip to give this wine the structure it deserves. Enjoy over the coming 3-4 years with a venison casserole or duck tacos.

Perrin La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux 2020 – France

Available from $16.99

One of the great lessons to learn when you start looking more seriously at wine, is that wines don’t need to be big to be good. This lovely southern Rhone blend is the personification of that simple adage; a pleasure wine that puts sheer enjoyment and drinkability before palate weight and structure. It’s worth pointing out that Perrin are a very prestigious Rhone producer - the makers of the legendary Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They have been wine growers in the southern Rhone for centuries and are now recognised as the largest organic producer in the appellation. The Cotes du Ventoux sits towards the bottom of the Perrin brand hierarchy, but this deceptively simple blend of carignan, cinsault, grenache, and syrah is a very rewarding glass of wine. Enjoy it at the start of an evening with soft cheeses or a charcuterie selection.     

Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021 - Clare Valley, Australia.

Available from $19.99

This famous wine has long been one of the shiraz market’s best buys, but I thought that the newly released 2021 vintage is looking especially sharp. Fruit comes from Jim Barry’s renowned Lodge Hill vineyard in the Clare Valley – a region known for more elegant shiraz expressions that are typically fresher and more vibrant than their Barossa cousins. The palate is chock full of blueberry and cherry fruits with some blackberry notes and bramble spice adding further layers of complexity. There’s plenty of tannin but it is quite fine and integrated, and the oak component shows its presence but never tries to unbalance the equation. This is a mouth-filling, complete shiraz experience that defies this relatively humble price point. Excellent value.   

Mac's Picks – 29 July 2023

Mac's Picks – 29 July 2023

29/07/2023

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.

Main Divide Pinot Gris 2021 – North Canterbury

Available from $18.99

Main Divide is the highly successful entry-level label of celebrated North Canterbury producer, Pegasus Bay. There have been some notable wines released under the Main Divide banner over the years - with riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir the best-known performers – but over recent vintages Main Divide Pinot Gris has also been getting plenty of attention. The 2021 is a typically lush and opulent style with layer after layer of juicy Waipara fruits bringing spicy pear, ginger and honeysuckle flavours into play. While still operating in the off-dry spectrum, this vintage is drier than previous years and, in my book, that reduction in fruit sweetness was the right move. The finish is very clean with plenty of soft acidity keeping things fresh and bright - but those wonderfully rich Waipara fruits hang in there to the very end. Match with chilli-spiked Asian dishes or spicy baked salmon and enjoy over the coming 3 years.  

Hunter’s Chardonnay 2021 – Marlborough

Available from $22.99

This was a lovely example of middleweight barrel-fermented chardonnay from one of the stalwarts of the Marlborough wine industry. The nose was complex and full of interest for a wine in this price point, with stonefruit, grilled citrus and flinty / gun smoke notes supported by some subtle hints of oak spice. The palate took those characters and laid them over a bed of lightly creamy, sweet vanilla flavours, before a vein of fresh acidity kicked in, leading the way to a long and very satisfying finish. The oak component has been skillfully handed here - adding just enough weight to the conversation, without ever dominating the peach and citrus interplay of those ripe Marlborough fruits. This is the best rendition of this popular chardonnay that I can recall tasting – and an obvious bargain if you see it for under $25. Enjoy now over the coming 5+ years.        

Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $24.99

As the style of mid-tier Hawke’s Bay Syrah is reinterpreted and redefined, I find myself drawn more and more to the supple and juicy examples, where concentration and structure are eschewed in favour of flowing mouthfeel and an almost ‘pinot noir like’ sense of palate weight. Squawking Magpie seems to agree with that thought and the 2021 Chatterer Syrah is a textbook example of this understated but utterly delicious syrah style. Sourced from Gimblett Gravels fruit, it is very fragrant, with notes of dark cherry and plums complexed with violet, lavender and anise. The palate effortlessly carries those characters through to a savoury finish with pillow soft tannins and gentle acidity, leaving the mouth refreshed and looking for more. This lovely wine is highly recommended. Seek it out. 

 

Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Shiraz 2019 – Australia

Available from $17.99

This is another well-known, well-priced wine that is in excellent form. Now entering its perfect drinking window, the 2019 Sandpiper Shiraz from Thorn-Clarke is loaded with black fruits and baking spices on the nose and a medium to full-bodied palate that shows the dark plum and savoury cherry flavours that the Barossa delivers in good vintages. A dose of choco-berry / mocha and some vanillin oak on the mid-palate adds a luxe element but the fruits always remain on the savoury side of the street - and those classic South Australian flavours go on and on. Already enjoyable, this wine will continue to develop and become further integrated over the coming 4-5 years. 

Bodegas Piqueras VS Monastrell Grenache Tintorera 2017 – Spain

Available from $39.99

Here’s this week’s showstopper. Imported by the inimitable Stephen Bennett MW, this 2017 release from Bodegas Piqueras is produced from a 50/50 split of old vine Monastrell and Grenache Tintorera. This is a big, extroverted wine that fills the senses with the rounded fruit characters that are synonymous with premium Spanish reds. The nose offers layers of concentrated blackberry and damson plum, with violet and spice notes adding further complexity. The palate is very broad and concentrated with sturdy weight and an endless array of dark fruit characters. Spice and smoky oak provide the detail on a wine that shines with glossy exuberance, and the finish is very rich with savoury dried fruit characters sitting over gentle tannins and well-integrated acidity. This is powerhouse winemaking from one of my favourite Spanish producers and a guaranteed talking point whenever a bottle is opened. Match with a hearty casserole or wood-fired meats when you want to knock the socks off your guests.  

Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port – Portugal

Available from $58.99

While Port seemingly doesn’t enjoy the popularity it once had in the New Zealand market, it remains a key fortified wine style that, thankfully, maintains a strong international following. Six Grapes has long been one of my favourite non-vintage expressions; this a wine that I have been enjoying for almost 40 years when a soothing nightcap is the order of the day. The bottle I opened last week showed plenty of charm with decadent dark fruits complexed with hints of just-burnt caramel and lots of sweet raisin. The rancio (a sort of nutty /raisin character) note that you look for in Port was there in full effect, and the lasting impression was mellow and very graceful. Match with an open fire and robust post-dinner conversation as soon as possible. 

Mac's Picks – 29 July 2023

29/07/2023

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.

Main Divide Pinot Gris 2021 – North Canterbury

Available from $18.99

Main Divide is the highly successful entry-level label of celebrated North Canterbury producer, Pegasus Bay. There have been some notable wines released under the Main Divide banner over the years - with riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir the best-known performers – but over recent vintages Main Divide Pinot Gris has also been getting plenty of attention. The 2021 is a typically lush and opulent style with layer after layer of juicy Waipara fruits bringing spicy pear, ginger and honeysuckle flavours into play. While still operating in the off-dry spectrum, this vintage is drier than previous years and, in my book, that reduction in fruit sweetness was the right move. The finish is very clean with plenty of soft acidity keeping things fresh and bright - but those wonderfully rich Waipara fruits hang in there to the very end. Match with chilli-spiked Asian dishes or spicy baked salmon and enjoy over the coming 3 years.  

Hunter’s Chardonnay 2021 – Marlborough

Available from $22.99

This was a lovely example of middleweight barrel-fermented chardonnay from one of the stalwarts of the Marlborough wine industry. The nose was complex and full of interest for a wine in this price point, with stonefruit, grilled citrus and flinty / gun smoke notes supported by some subtle hints of oak spice. The palate took those characters and laid them over a bed of lightly creamy, sweet vanilla flavours, before a vein of fresh acidity kicked in, leading the way to a long and very satisfying finish. The oak component has been skillfully handed here - adding just enough weight to the conversation, without ever dominating the peach and citrus interplay of those ripe Marlborough fruits. This is the best rendition of this popular chardonnay that I can recall tasting – and an obvious bargain if you see it for under $25. Enjoy now over the coming 5+ years.        

Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $24.99

As the style of mid-tier Hawke’s Bay Syrah is reinterpreted and redefined, I find myself drawn more and more to the supple and juicy examples, where concentration and structure are eschewed in favour of flowing mouthfeel and an almost ‘pinot noir like’ sense of palate weight. Squawking Magpie seems to agree with that thought and the 2021 Chatterer Syrah is a textbook example of this understated but utterly delicious syrah style. Sourced from Gimblett Gravels fruit, it is very fragrant, with notes of dark cherry and plums complexed with violet, lavender and anise. The palate effortlessly carries those characters through to a savoury finish with pillow soft tannins and gentle acidity, leaving the mouth refreshed and looking for more. This lovely wine is highly recommended. Seek it out. 

 

Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Shiraz 2019 – Australia

Available from $17.99

This is another well-known, well-priced wine that is in excellent form. Now entering its perfect drinking window, the 2019 Sandpiper Shiraz from Thorn-Clarke is loaded with black fruits and baking spices on the nose and a medium to full-bodied palate that shows the dark plum and savoury cherry flavours that the Barossa delivers in good vintages. A dose of choco-berry / mocha and some vanillin oak on the mid-palate adds a luxe element but the fruits always remain on the savoury side of the street - and those classic South Australian flavours go on and on. Already enjoyable, this wine will continue to develop and become further integrated over the coming 4-5 years. 

Bodegas Piqueras VS Monastrell Grenache Tintorera 2017 – Spain

Available from $39.99

Here’s this week’s showstopper. Imported by the inimitable Stephen Bennett MW, this 2017 release from Bodegas Piqueras is produced from a 50/50 split of old vine Monastrell and Grenache Tintorera. This is a big, extroverted wine that fills the senses with the rounded fruit characters that are synonymous with premium Spanish reds. The nose offers layers of concentrated blackberry and damson plum, with violet and spice notes adding further complexity. The palate is very broad and concentrated with sturdy weight and an endless array of dark fruit characters. Spice and smoky oak provide the detail on a wine that shines with glossy exuberance, and the finish is very rich with savoury dried fruit characters sitting over gentle tannins and well-integrated acidity. This is powerhouse winemaking from one of my favourite Spanish producers and a guaranteed talking point whenever a bottle is opened. Match with a hearty casserole or wood-fired meats when you want to knock the socks off your guests.  

Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port – Portugal

Available from $58.99

While Port seemingly doesn’t enjoy the popularity it once had in the New Zealand market, it remains a key fortified wine style that, thankfully, maintains a strong international following. Six Grapes has long been one of my favourite non-vintage expressions; this a wine that I have been enjoying for almost 40 years when a soothing nightcap is the order of the day. The bottle I opened last week showed plenty of charm with decadent dark fruits complexed with hints of just-burnt caramel and lots of sweet raisin. The rancio (a sort of nutty /raisin character) note that you look for in Port was there in full effect, and the lasting impression was mellow and very graceful. Match with an open fire and robust post-dinner conversation as soon as possible. 

Mac's Picks – 15 July 2023

Mac's Picks – 15 July 2023

15/07/2023

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.

Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV – France

Available from $59.99

Vinted from a blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, and with 35% reserve wine in the blend, Lanson has long been one of the top-selling Grand Marque Champagnes and brings a significant reputation for freshness and elegance to the table. This latest disgorgement is looking very good with a red apple and citrus nose sitting over a core of toasted brioche characters. The bubbles are fine and very persistent in the glass and the palate is broad and quite generous, with good drive and nicely poised tension between the fruit and mineral aspects. Having not tasted Lanson for a couple of years, I was impressed with the quality it offered – and with the price of Grand Marque Champagne steadily on the rise, it’s obviously good value in the current market.

Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This was impressive 2022 wine from vigneron brothers, Ben and Luc Cowley. In classic Marlborough style, this expressive wine shows a complex array of punchy notes on the nose with citrus, green herbage, tropical fruits and tomato stalk all playing their part. It promises much, and the palate delivers a textbook assemblage of regional sauvignon flavours with some chalky minerality, and a gentle saline note adding a further touch of individuality. Far from being one-dimensional, this is sauvignon that unfolds with each taste. The lasting impression is balanced and fresh with salivating acidity and that mineral line shining on through. Classy wine that deserves to be served lightly chilled with fresh shellfish or a tangy garden salad.        

Babich Irongate Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $34.99

Babich Irongate has always been an important label in the context of premium Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and the 2022 is another fine effort from a challenging growing season. Vinted from Gimblett Gravels fruit, this release was shy on initial inspection before opening up in the glass as more air worked its way into the wine. Notes of grilled stonefruits, almond and sweet oak spice dominated a nose that also showed some subtle ginger and lemon spice. The palate flowed beautifully, bringing those characters together and adding a distinct ginger-cream flavour into the equation. The finish was long, with good acidity and understated hints of toasty French oak. In my book, this wine should be decanted before service if you plan to open a bottle over the coming 18 months, but its real beauty will be discovered if you can put some aside over the coming five years. I loved it. 

Babich Cabernet Merlot 2019 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $17.99

Given its humble price point, this was another very impressive Babich wine. From the excellent 2019 vintage, this release shows plenty of blackberry and plum characters on the bouquet, with some leather / tobacco / eucalyptus notes from the cabernet aspect of the blend. There is also a very appealing Bordeaux-esque pencil lead aroma that carries through to a middleweight palate, showing layers of spicy blackcurrant underpinned by some creamy mocha flavours. There is good balance between the sweet fruit characters and the rounded acidity this wine displays, while the tannins are supple and very friendly. If you prefer to shop in the sub$20 bracket and you’re looking for a good example of blended Hawke’s Bay red, there is an awful lot to like here. Great buying. 

Tilia Malbec 2022 – Argentina

Available from $16.99

Here’s a wine to try if you’re looking for a softly rewarding red to keep you company on these colder winter nights. Budget conscious Kiwis have taken to Argentinian reds with great gusto, and the 2022 Tilia release is a showcase of the plush, dark fruits and juicy palate weight that South American Malbec is so well-known for. Medium-bodied and lightly oaked by Argentinian standards, this is a very approachable red that’s been made in an uncomplicated, drink-now style. Hints of vanilla and oak spice add some complexity to the primary plum and blackberry flavours, but this is wine to slosh into glasses on casual nights, while a hearty roast is ticking over in the oven. No need to cellar. It’s ripe and rearing to go.     

La Multa Old Vine Garnacha 2019 – Spain

Available from $18.99

Here’s this week’s obvious bargain. Produced from low yielding garnacha vines in the North-Easterly Spanish region of Calatayud, La Multa 2019 is a bit of showstopper. Packed with glossy, dark, mouthfilling fruits, it brings the generosity and ripeness of Spanish Grenache to the party, but some deeper, more savoury characters ensure that this lovely wine maintains a premium stance from start to finish. For the uninitiated, grenache tastes a bit like turbo-charged pinot noir, with amplified dark cherry fruits and supple palate flow. It’s a very reliable category for Kiwi wine buyers who have become disillusioned with entry level New Zealand Pinot Noir – and there some incredible buys if you shop around. This is one of them. Get some pizzas on the go as soon as possible and crack a bottle of this little beauty. You won’t regret it. I bought a case.   

Mac's Picks – 15 July 2023

15/07/2023

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.

Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV – France

Available from $59.99

Vinted from a blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, and with 35% reserve wine in the blend, Lanson has long been one of the top-selling Grand Marque Champagnes and brings a significant reputation for freshness and elegance to the table. This latest disgorgement is looking very good with a red apple and citrus nose sitting over a core of toasted brioche characters. The bubbles are fine and very persistent in the glass and the palate is broad and quite generous, with good drive and nicely poised tension between the fruit and mineral aspects. Having not tasted Lanson for a couple of years, I was impressed with the quality it offered – and with the price of Grand Marque Champagne steadily on the rise, it’s obviously good value in the current market.

Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This was impressive 2022 wine from vigneron brothers, Ben and Luc Cowley. In classic Marlborough style, this expressive wine shows a complex array of punchy notes on the nose with citrus, green herbage, tropical fruits and tomato stalk all playing their part. It promises much, and the palate delivers a textbook assemblage of regional sauvignon flavours with some chalky minerality, and a gentle saline note adding a further touch of individuality. Far from being one-dimensional, this is sauvignon that unfolds with each taste. The lasting impression is balanced and fresh with salivating acidity and that mineral line shining on through. Classy wine that deserves to be served lightly chilled with fresh shellfish or a tangy garden salad.        

Babich Irongate Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $34.99

Babich Irongate has always been an important label in the context of premium Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and the 2022 is another fine effort from a challenging growing season. Vinted from Gimblett Gravels fruit, this release was shy on initial inspection before opening up in the glass as more air worked its way into the wine. Notes of grilled stonefruits, almond and sweet oak spice dominated a nose that also showed some subtle ginger and lemon spice. The palate flowed beautifully, bringing those characters together and adding a distinct ginger-cream flavour into the equation. The finish was long, with good acidity and understated hints of toasty French oak. In my book, this wine should be decanted before service if you plan to open a bottle over the coming 18 months, but its real beauty will be discovered if you can put some aside over the coming five years. I loved it. 

Babich Cabernet Merlot 2019 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $17.99

Given its humble price point, this was another very impressive Babich wine. From the excellent 2019 vintage, this release shows plenty of blackberry and plum characters on the bouquet, with some leather / tobacco / eucalyptus notes from the cabernet aspect of the blend. There is also a very appealing Bordeaux-esque pencil lead aroma that carries through to a middleweight palate, showing layers of spicy blackcurrant underpinned by some creamy mocha flavours. There is good balance between the sweet fruit characters and the rounded acidity this wine displays, while the tannins are supple and very friendly. If you prefer to shop in the sub$20 bracket and you’re looking for a good example of blended Hawke’s Bay red, there is an awful lot to like here. Great buying. 

Tilia Malbec 2022 – Argentina

Available from $16.99

Here’s a wine to try if you’re looking for a softly rewarding red to keep you company on these colder winter nights. Budget conscious Kiwis have taken to Argentinian reds with great gusto, and the 2022 Tilia release is a showcase of the plush, dark fruits and juicy palate weight that South American Malbec is so well-known for. Medium-bodied and lightly oaked by Argentinian standards, this is a very approachable red that’s been made in an uncomplicated, drink-now style. Hints of vanilla and oak spice add some complexity to the primary plum and blackberry flavours, but this is wine to slosh into glasses on casual nights, while a hearty roast is ticking over in the oven. No need to cellar. It’s ripe and rearing to go.     

La Multa Old Vine Garnacha 2019 – Spain

Available from $18.99

Here’s this week’s obvious bargain. Produced from low yielding garnacha vines in the North-Easterly Spanish region of Calatayud, La Multa 2019 is a bit of showstopper. Packed with glossy, dark, mouthfilling fruits, it brings the generosity and ripeness of Spanish Grenache to the party, but some deeper, more savoury characters ensure that this lovely wine maintains a premium stance from start to finish. For the uninitiated, grenache tastes a bit like turbo-charged pinot noir, with amplified dark cherry fruits and supple palate flow. It’s a very reliable category for Kiwi wine buyers who have become disillusioned with entry level New Zealand Pinot Noir – and there some incredible buys if you shop around. This is one of them. Get some pizzas on the go as soon as possible and crack a bottle of this little beauty. You won’t regret it. I bought a case.   

Mac's Picks –1 July 2023

Mac's Picks –1 July 2023

1/07/2023

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. 

Mac's Picks –1 July 2023

1/07/2023

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. 

Mac's Picks –17 June 2023

Mac's Picks –17 June 2023

17/06/2023

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.

Longbush Gewurztraminer 2021 – Gisborne

Available from $14.99

Let’s kick off with an absolute bargain. Gewurztraminer may have fallen out of favour with Kiwi consumers over the last 15 years, but a devoted fan base still exists for this personality-filled, spicy white wine. From its spiritual home in France’s Alsace region, gewurztraminer has always performed well in New Zealand, with Gisborne the growing area most closely aligned with its domestic production. Gisborne ‘Gewurz’ is typically lush and quite powerfully weighted - and that’s exactly what you get here. In classic Alsace style, the Longbush nose explodes with Turkish Delight characters and baking spice notes. The palate is medium-dry with lush layers of exotic fruits and lychee characters and the residual sugar / acid balance has been very well handled. Spicy ginger flavours linger on the finish and the lasting impression is balanced and very satisfying. For the uninitiated, gewurztraminer is the perfect partner for spicy Asian curries or chili spiked meals. If you haven’t tried it before, you’re missing one of the great wine matches – and Longbush 2021 is a perfect option to give that special combo a crack.  

 

Domaines Bougrier Vouvray 2021 – France

Available from $24.99

This is another lovely, medium-dry wine that would go wonderfully with an array of spicy foods. Made from chenin blanc from a family estate that has been producing wines since 1885, Bougrier Vouvray is a fresh, vibrant wine with white flowers and citrus on the nose and a palate that shines with apricot, almond and honey. The flavours are nicely focused with some wet stone minerality adding a touch of complexity, but those juicy, tangy chenin blanc notes drive the conversation through to a dry finish that sparkles with citrus led acidity. It’s delicious. The initial fruit sweetness and that crunchy, dry finish work wonderfully together, and those juicy honey / citrus flavours go on forever. In the European style, you could open a bottle with a deli platter when friends call around – but I’d opt for a spicy chicken or pork curry. Bring it on.

De la Terre Barrique Fermented Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $26.99

This is a lovely example of small batch, barrel-fermented chardonnay from highly respected Hawke’s Bay winemaker, Tony Prichard – the former head winemaker behind the juggernaut Church Road brand. This is a real ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ style. Initially understated, the wine builds on the palate as you taste, with stonefruit and wood spice on the nose flowing through to a complex palate that keeps those stonefruit, oak and grilled citrus flavours in the spotlight. The focus here is clearly on the fruit - and while touches of creamy, malolactic characters are apparent, this wine remains elegant and refined. A year on from harvest, it’s already looking composed and very smart - but my advice is to lay some down and watch its quiet power amplify over the coming 5-7 years.  

 

 

Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago

Available from $24.99

Produced by Chard Farm as an unashamedly commercial, upfront expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir, Rabbit Ranch does an admirable job at this increasingly competitive price point. Dark fruits, with touches of oak and thyme on the nose, lead through to a glossy palate that is medium-bodied with soft acidity and supple tannins. It’s straightforward and relatively uncomplicated - but with the price of Central Otago Pinot Noir always on the rise, it offers buyers a good value option that does what it says on the tin. Match with a Netflix binge session and family block of dark forest chocolate.

Protocolo Tempranillo 2020 – Spain

Available from $16.99

Regular readers of this column will know by now that Spanish Tempranillo is one of the safest categories for European red wine buyers – and the very nicely packaged Protocolo will do nothing but add further weight to that argument. Loaded with dark cherry and ripe plum flavours, it’s a classically middleweight style with some mocha and spice adding a little bit of magic on the palate. Unoaked tempranillo like this is made to be enjoyed with great gusto; sloshed into glasses and shared with casual food and good company, rather than sipped and analyzed for its hidden secrets. Indeed, Protocolo’s attraction lies in its ‘one size fits all’, easy drinking charm - and the sheer value for money it offers Kiwi drinkers who are willing to look outside the merlot / syrah / pinot noir categories that dominate our domestic red wine sales. Recommended.   

Clay Creek Old Vine Zinfandel 2020 – California, USA

Available from $19.99

Californian Zinfandel fans will find much to like here, and this 2020 Clay Creek release is one of the best Zinfandels I have tried at this price level in quite some time. This is bold, expressive wine. Savoury red cherry and blueberry fruits meld with cocoa and spice on the nose, while the palate is boldly structured with ‘Christmas cake’ flavours and layers of creamy, rounded acidity. This is supple and textural wine with rounded mouthfeel, and the finish is plush and quite juicy with soft tannins and a fresh lingering finish. No one could possibly argue that it isn’t very good buying. Match with hearty roasted meats or a spicy vegetable lasagna and enjoy the 2020 vintage over the coming 5+ years.

Mac's Picks –17 June 2023

17/06/2023

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.

Longbush Gewurztraminer 2021 – Gisborne

Available from $14.99

Let’s kick off with an absolute bargain. Gewurztraminer may have fallen out of favour with Kiwi consumers over the last 15 years, but a devoted fan base still exists for this personality-filled, spicy white wine. From its spiritual home in France’s Alsace region, gewurztraminer has always performed well in New Zealand, with Gisborne the growing area most closely aligned with its domestic production. Gisborne ‘Gewurz’ is typically lush and quite powerfully weighted - and that’s exactly what you get here. In classic Alsace style, the Longbush nose explodes with Turkish Delight characters and baking spice notes. The palate is medium-dry with lush layers of exotic fruits and lychee characters and the residual sugar / acid balance has been very well handled. Spicy ginger flavours linger on the finish and the lasting impression is balanced and very satisfying. For the uninitiated, gewurztraminer is the perfect partner for spicy Asian curries or chili spiked meals. If you haven’t tried it before, you’re missing one of the great wine matches – and Longbush 2021 is a perfect option to give that special combo a crack.  

 

Domaines Bougrier Vouvray 2021 – France

Available from $24.99

This is another lovely, medium-dry wine that would go wonderfully with an array of spicy foods. Made from chenin blanc from a family estate that has been producing wines since 1885, Bougrier Vouvray is a fresh, vibrant wine with white flowers and citrus on the nose and a palate that shines with apricot, almond and honey. The flavours are nicely focused with some wet stone minerality adding a touch of complexity, but those juicy, tangy chenin blanc notes drive the conversation through to a dry finish that sparkles with citrus led acidity. It’s delicious. The initial fruit sweetness and that crunchy, dry finish work wonderfully together, and those juicy honey / citrus flavours go on forever. In the European style, you could open a bottle with a deli platter when friends call around – but I’d opt for a spicy chicken or pork curry. Bring it on.

De la Terre Barrique Fermented Chardonnay 2022 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $26.99

This is a lovely example of small batch, barrel-fermented chardonnay from highly respected Hawke’s Bay winemaker, Tony Prichard – the former head winemaker behind the juggernaut Church Road brand. This is a real ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ style. Initially understated, the wine builds on the palate as you taste, with stonefruit and wood spice on the nose flowing through to a complex palate that keeps those stonefruit, oak and grilled citrus flavours in the spotlight. The focus here is clearly on the fruit - and while touches of creamy, malolactic characters are apparent, this wine remains elegant and refined. A year on from harvest, it’s already looking composed and very smart - but my advice is to lay some down and watch its quiet power amplify over the coming 5-7 years.  

 

 

Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago

Available from $24.99

Produced by Chard Farm as an unashamedly commercial, upfront expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir, Rabbit Ranch does an admirable job at this increasingly competitive price point. Dark fruits, with touches of oak and thyme on the nose, lead through to a glossy palate that is medium-bodied with soft acidity and supple tannins. It’s straightforward and relatively uncomplicated - but with the price of Central Otago Pinot Noir always on the rise, it offers buyers a good value option that does what it says on the tin. Match with a Netflix binge session and family block of dark forest chocolate.

Protocolo Tempranillo 2020 – Spain

Available from $16.99

Regular readers of this column will know by now that Spanish Tempranillo is one of the safest categories for European red wine buyers – and the very nicely packaged Protocolo will do nothing but add further weight to that argument. Loaded with dark cherry and ripe plum flavours, it’s a classically middleweight style with some mocha and spice adding a little bit of magic on the palate. Unoaked tempranillo like this is made to be enjoyed with great gusto; sloshed into glasses and shared with casual food and good company, rather than sipped and analyzed for its hidden secrets. Indeed, Protocolo’s attraction lies in its ‘one size fits all’, easy drinking charm - and the sheer value for money it offers Kiwi drinkers who are willing to look outside the merlot / syrah / pinot noir categories that dominate our domestic red wine sales. Recommended.   

Clay Creek Old Vine Zinfandel 2020 – California, USA

Available from $19.99

Californian Zinfandel fans will find much to like here, and this 2020 Clay Creek release is one of the best Zinfandels I have tried at this price level in quite some time. This is bold, expressive wine. Savoury red cherry and blueberry fruits meld with cocoa and spice on the nose, while the palate is boldly structured with ‘Christmas cake’ flavours and layers of creamy, rounded acidity. This is supple and textural wine with rounded mouthfeel, and the finish is plush and quite juicy with soft tannins and a fresh lingering finish. No one could possibly argue that it isn’t very good buying. Match with hearty roasted meats or a spicy vegetable lasagna and enjoy the 2020 vintage over the coming 5+ years.

Mac's Picks – 3 June 2023

Mac's Picks – 3 June 2023

3/06/2023

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.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $26.99

In a domestic market awash with quality New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc options, it takes something pretty special to command a price point just under the thirty-dollar mark, but Greywacke has struck a chord with premium sauvignon buyers since the brand was conceived by pioneering Marlborough winemaker, Kevin Judd. Like any quality proposition, it’s all about the detail and this 2022 expression tries to seduce you, rather than bombard you with the exuberance that Marlborough Sauvignon is so famous for. Look for delicate aromas of passionfruit, lime and exotic fruits – all underpinned by a distinctive ‘fresh rain’ note. The palate is dry but wonderfully textural, with the aforementioned fruit characters complexed with herbal tinges and a saline touch. It’s a textbook case of ‘less is more’ and comes highly recommended.

Two Rivers Phoenix Pinot Gris 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This is another excellent release from the Two Rivers winemaking team headed by their founder, David Clouston – a man who seems to have a magic touch with aromatic Marlborough wines.  Inviting and very fragrant, this 2022 release opens with attractive aromas of pear, quince and white flowers, with some subtle baking spices adding a classical pinot gris calling card. Those characters flow through to a generous palate that brings good weight and slippery mouthfeel to the party. There’s a lot going on in the glass here, and this wine is a veritable showcase of the pear and sweet citrus flavours that define the modern Marlborough Pinot Gris style. The finish is bright and lingering, with hints of spice sitting nicely alongside a vein of fresh acidity. If you want to take your pinot gris game up a notch or two, but don’t want to push the boat out too far, this delightful wine should be right at the top on your shopping list. It’s impressive stuff. 

Beach House Levels Chardonnay 2021 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $29.99

Levels is the reserve chardonnay label from Beach House’s Chris Harrison - a man who has a well-won reputation for his fulsome and rewarding Hawke’s Bay wines. This is boldly styled, punchy wine that has been designed to pack plenty of flavour into the bottle. Barrel fermentation and full malolactic treatment in the winery has delivered a raft of grilled stone fruits and tangy grapefruit on the nose, with plenty of French oak spice and baked bread characters adding further interest. The palate is full-bodied with real depth and drive - and those tangy peach / nectarine flavours push through to a long creamy finish that melds lemon brulee characters with plenty of citrus-led acidity. If you like your chardonnay broad and powerful, this will be right up in your alley. Enjoy over the coming 5+ years, but throw a roast chicken in the oven immediately. 

 

 

Craggy Range Te Muna Pinot Noir 2021 – Martinborough

Available from $42.99

Craggy Range have enjoyed great success with this label and the new 2021 release continues a fine run of carefully crafted Martinborough Pinot Noirs from this celebrated Hawke’s Bay producer. On the nose this is Martinborough all the way. Dark cherry and spiced red fruits dominate a bouquet that also reveals wild herbs and some rustic, earthy characters. The palate is brightly expressed with crunchy red fruit flavours and supple tannins sitting over a silky base that is complexed with some clove / anise nuances. The finish is long and flowing and the acid / tannin interplay suggests that this wine will develop beautifully over time. Classy.

 

Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Syrah 2021 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $22.99

If you haven’t had the chance to taste Esk Valley’s wonderful Artisanal series, it’s time to get with the program. Conceived to allow winemaker Gordon Russell the opportunity to make small-batch, interesting wines, this concept has been a resounding success in my book - and the 2021 syrah is perhaps my favorite of the Artisanal Collection wines that I have tasted to date. This is my kind of syrah. Highly aromatic and loaded with red cherry, plum and violet notes, it flows through to a supple palate that reflects the bouquet and sashays with grace and charm. This is what I call ‘a pleasure wine’- where structure and fruit concentration are eschewed in favour of supple weight and sheer deliciousness. Soft, creamy acidity rounds off the conversation and ensures that this lovely wine will continue to show at its best over the coming 5+ years. I bought a case. 

Château Pontet Barrail Medoc 2019 – France

Available from $26.99

This Cru Bourgeois is vinted from cabernet sauvignon (60%), merlot (30%) with petit verdot and cabernet franc rounding out the blend. Château Pontet Barrail has been making wine in the Medoc since 1932 and their understanding of the limestone rich, gravelly soils that make up their estate is in full effect here. Darkly fruited and with some pepper and anise on the nose, the palate shows a glossy amalgam of black plum and blueberry with plenty of structure and definition. Thanks to the very good 2019 vintage, there is plush volume on show here, and the finish is satisfying and broad with fine tannins and a well-managed acid line. Try a bottle with roasted meats or vegetables the next time your friends come for dinner, and wait for the looks of approval to come your way. Decant before service.   

Mac's Picks – 3 June 2023

3/06/2023

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.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $26.99

In a domestic market awash with quality New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc options, it takes something pretty special to command a price point just under the thirty-dollar mark, but Greywacke has struck a chord with premium sauvignon buyers since the brand was conceived by pioneering Marlborough winemaker, Kevin Judd. Like any quality proposition, it’s all about the detail and this 2022 expression tries to seduce you, rather than bombard you with the exuberance that Marlborough Sauvignon is so famous for. Look for delicate aromas of passionfruit, lime and exotic fruits – all underpinned by a distinctive ‘fresh rain’ note. The palate is dry but wonderfully textural, with the aforementioned fruit characters complexed with herbal tinges and a saline touch. It’s a textbook case of ‘less is more’ and comes highly recommended.

Two Rivers Phoenix Pinot Gris 2022 – Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This is another excellent release from the Two Rivers winemaking team headed by their founder, David Clouston – a man who seems to have a magic touch with aromatic Marlborough wines.  Inviting and very fragrant, this 2022 release opens with attractive aromas of pear, quince and white flowers, with some subtle baking spices adding a classical pinot gris calling card. Those characters flow through to a generous palate that brings good weight and slippery mouthfeel to the party. There’s a lot going on in the glass here, and this wine is a veritable showcase of the pear and sweet citrus flavours that define the modern Marlborough Pinot Gris style. The finish is bright and lingering, with hints of spice sitting nicely alongside a vein of fresh acidity. If you want to take your pinot gris game up a notch or two, but don’t want to push the boat out too far, this delightful wine should be right at the top on your shopping list. It’s impressive stuff. 

Beach House Levels Chardonnay 2021 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $29.99

Levels is the reserve chardonnay label from Beach House’s Chris Harrison - a man who has a well-won reputation for his fulsome and rewarding Hawke’s Bay wines. This is boldly styled, punchy wine that has been designed to pack plenty of flavour into the bottle. Barrel fermentation and full malolactic treatment in the winery has delivered a raft of grilled stone fruits and tangy grapefruit on the nose, with plenty of French oak spice and baked bread characters adding further interest. The palate is full-bodied with real depth and drive - and those tangy peach / nectarine flavours push through to a long creamy finish that melds lemon brulee characters with plenty of citrus-led acidity. If you like your chardonnay broad and powerful, this will be right up in your alley. Enjoy over the coming 5+ years, but throw a roast chicken in the oven immediately. 

 

 

Craggy Range Te Muna Pinot Noir 2021 – Martinborough

Available from $42.99

Craggy Range have enjoyed great success with this label and the new 2021 release continues a fine run of carefully crafted Martinborough Pinot Noirs from this celebrated Hawke’s Bay producer. On the nose this is Martinborough all the way. Dark cherry and spiced red fruits dominate a bouquet that also reveals wild herbs and some rustic, earthy characters. The palate is brightly expressed with crunchy red fruit flavours and supple tannins sitting over a silky base that is complexed with some clove / anise nuances. The finish is long and flowing and the acid / tannin interplay suggests that this wine will develop beautifully over time. Classy.

 

Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Syrah 2021 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $22.99

If you haven’t had the chance to taste Esk Valley’s wonderful Artisanal series, it’s time to get with the program. Conceived to allow winemaker Gordon Russell the opportunity to make small-batch, interesting wines, this concept has been a resounding success in my book - and the 2021 syrah is perhaps my favorite of the Artisanal Collection wines that I have tasted to date. This is my kind of syrah. Highly aromatic and loaded with red cherry, plum and violet notes, it flows through to a supple palate that reflects the bouquet and sashays with grace and charm. This is what I call ‘a pleasure wine’- where structure and fruit concentration are eschewed in favour of supple weight and sheer deliciousness. Soft, creamy acidity rounds off the conversation and ensures that this lovely wine will continue to show at its best over the coming 5+ years. I bought a case. 

Château Pontet Barrail Medoc 2019 – France

Available from $26.99

This Cru Bourgeois is vinted from cabernet sauvignon (60%), merlot (30%) with petit verdot and cabernet franc rounding out the blend. Château Pontet Barrail has been making wine in the Medoc since 1932 and their understanding of the limestone rich, gravelly soils that make up their estate is in full effect here. Darkly fruited and with some pepper and anise on the nose, the palate shows a glossy amalgam of black plum and blueberry with plenty of structure and definition. Thanks to the very good 2019 vintage, there is plush volume on show here, and the finish is satisfying and broad with fine tannins and a well-managed acid line. Try a bottle with roasted meats or vegetables the next time your friends come for dinner, and wait for the looks of approval to come your way. Decant before service.   

Mac's Picks - 20 May 2023

Mac's Picks - 20 May 2023

22/05/2023

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.

Itinera Prosecco Brut DOC NV – Italy

Available from $19.99

If you haven’t enjoyed a glass of good prosecco in a while, it’s time for you to reacquaint yourself with the simple pleasures that the famous Italian sparkling wine can offer – and Itinera Brut would be a very safe place to start. Vinted from 100% glera from the Veneto region, this DOC release is the colour of bright straw and has plenty of lively bubbles in the glass. Peach-led stone fruit characters with some ripe citrus notes dominate the nose, with a hint of sweet honeysuckle adding an extra touch of complexity. These characters flow through to a nicely balanced palate that’s fresh and bright, while the finish is clean and satisfying with good length and an appealing soft acid structure. This would be a nice option to serve with a drinks platter or soft cheeses, but prosecco can also go well with spicy dishes such as Asian or Indian curries. 

Awatere River Pinot Gris 2020 - Marlborough

Available from $14.99

This is a bargain. Produced by Louis Vavasour (a surname that carries a lot of cachet in Marlborough winemaking circles), Awatere River ticks all the premium pinot gris style cues and undoubtedly operates on a higher plane than this everyday pricing suggests. Fragrant and enticing, the 2020 shows notes of peach and spicy pear on the nose with some baking spice and ginger in the mix. The palate is expressive with lush pear flavours to the fore. It has excellent weight and texture and those ripe white fruits flow through to a soft finish that is elevated with creamy, rounded acidity. This is textbook stuff. It is a very appealing wine that will partner a wide range of foods but is also a great option when you just feel like a rewarding glass of pinot gris to take the edge off the day. It comes highly recommended. 

Coopers Creek Plainsman Chardonnay 2020 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $19.99

At a recent tasting of Coopers Creek Chardonnays, the 2020 Plainsman was an instant highlight from their excellent Select Vineyards series. Laden with classic Hawke’s Bay stone fruit and toasty oak notes on the nose, the palate brims with creamy peach and cashew flavours with spicy barrel ferment layers providing further interest. This is lovely wine. 2020 was a very good chardonnay vintage in Hawke’s Bay and the weight and generosity it provided is in full effect here. Look for a full, velvety palate that’s spiked with lemon brûlée notes and match with roasted poultry or creamy pasta dishes over the coming 3+ years.  

 

Delas Ventoux 2019 – France

Available from $14.99

Here is another absolute bargain. Ventoux is a large wine region in the far southeast of the southern Rhône, on the border with Provence. It is best known for grenache / syrah blends and Delas (a company who have been making wine since 1835) have used that magical combination admirably in this release. The glossy grenache component drives those round, juicy characters, while the syrah percentage gives the wine some palate ‘tension’ and deeper savoury flavours. Red wines from Ventoux tend to have a very appealing softer structure that make them ideal to drink young, and this 2019 release is about as user-friendly as French wine gets. It’s ideal for a wide range of occasions - from casual after-work drinks through to a ‘one size fits all’ red wine for the dinner table - and even comes in premium, heavyweight glass with the Delas logo embossed on the bottle. If you like the idea of trying some inexpensive French red wine, and you’re looking for a ‘safe as houses’ option, you simply can’t go wrong here.

 

Matt Connell Rendition Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago 

Available from $44.99

Matt Connell made his name as winemaker for Akarua and has been attracting a lot of attention under his eponymous label in recent vintages. With wines of the calibre of Rendition 2021, it’s easy to see why. Vinted in an elegant style from a blend of Bendigo and Lowburn fruit, this wine shows an amalgam of red and dark fruits on the nose with black cherry notes holding centre stage. Regional green herbage / thyme characters also enter the conversation, while some game and spicy oak characters emerge as the wine opens in the glass. The palate is quite broad and silky, and while it shows some swagger and opulence, the overall impression here is one of refinement and finesse. Tannins are very supple and the finish is long and sweet-fruited. Match with a rich duck cassoulet or a mushroom risotto and wait for the angels to chime in.

Brookfields Sun Dried Malbec 2021 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $26.99

This has always been a big, bold wine in the context of New Zealand reds and the wonderful 2021 Hawke’s Bay vintage has taken this much-loved wine to even greater heights. Blended from sun-dried Tuki Tuki and Ohiti Estate fruit, it shows masses of black plum, leather and green herbs on the nose and a full-bodied palate that fills every corner of the mouth with flavour and spice. The sun drying process (where fruit is dried in open air shade houses to concentrate sugars and amplify flavours) brings in a whole new dimension with caramel fruits, anise and black pepper all raising their hands.  It’s sturdy and fulsome but never falls into the trap of being ‘over the top’, and this vintage is the best I can remember trying from this top-tier producer. Match with hearty red meat dishes or a bold, vegetable lasagna over the coming 8+ years. 

Mac's Picks - 20 May 2023

22/05/2023

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.

Itinera Prosecco Brut DOC NV – Italy

Available from $19.99

If you haven’t enjoyed a glass of good prosecco in a while, it’s time for you to reacquaint yourself with the simple pleasures that the famous Italian sparkling wine can offer – and Itinera Brut would be a very safe place to start. Vinted from 100% glera from the Veneto region, this DOC release is the colour of bright straw and has plenty of lively bubbles in the glass. Peach-led stone fruit characters with some ripe citrus notes dominate the nose, with a hint of sweet honeysuckle adding an extra touch of complexity. These characters flow through to a nicely balanced palate that’s fresh and bright, while the finish is clean and satisfying with good length and an appealing soft acid structure. This would be a nice option to serve with a drinks platter or soft cheeses, but prosecco can also go well with spicy dishes such as Asian or Indian curries. 

Awatere River Pinot Gris 2020 - Marlborough

Available from $14.99

This is a bargain. Produced by Louis Vavasour (a surname that carries a lot of cachet in Marlborough winemaking circles), Awatere River ticks all the premium pinot gris style cues and undoubtedly operates on a higher plane than this everyday pricing suggests. Fragrant and enticing, the 2020 shows notes of peach and spicy pear on the nose with some baking spice and ginger in the mix. The palate is expressive with lush pear flavours to the fore. It has excellent weight and texture and those ripe white fruits flow through to a soft finish that is elevated with creamy, rounded acidity. This is textbook stuff. It is a very appealing wine that will partner a wide range of foods but is also a great option when you just feel like a rewarding glass of pinot gris to take the edge off the day. It comes highly recommended. 

Coopers Creek Plainsman Chardonnay 2020 – Hawke’s Bay 

Available from $19.99

At a recent tasting of Coopers Creek Chardonnays, the 2020 Plainsman was an instant highlight from their excellent Select Vineyards series. Laden with classic Hawke’s Bay stone fruit and toasty oak notes on the nose, the palate brims with creamy peach and cashew flavours with spicy barrel ferment layers providing further interest. This is lovely wine. 2020 was a very good chardonnay vintage in Hawke’s Bay and the weight and generosity it provided is in full effect here. Look for a full, velvety palate that’s spiked with lemon brûlée notes and match with roasted poultry or creamy pasta dishes over the coming 3+ years.  

 

Delas Ventoux 2019 – France

Available from $14.99

Here is another absolute bargain. Ventoux is a large wine region in the far southeast of the southern Rhône, on the border with Provence. It is best known for grenache / syrah blends and Delas (a company who have been making wine since 1835) have used that magical combination admirably in this release. The glossy grenache component drives those round, juicy characters, while the syrah percentage gives the wine some palate ‘tension’ and deeper savoury flavours. Red wines from Ventoux tend to have a very appealing softer structure that make them ideal to drink young, and this 2019 release is about as user-friendly as French wine gets. It’s ideal for a wide range of occasions - from casual after-work drinks through to a ‘one size fits all’ red wine for the dinner table - and even comes in premium, heavyweight glass with the Delas logo embossed on the bottle. If you like the idea of trying some inexpensive French red wine, and you’re looking for a ‘safe as houses’ option, you simply can’t go wrong here.

 

Matt Connell Rendition Pinot Noir 2021 – Central Otago 

Available from $44.99

Matt Connell made his name as winemaker for Akarua and has been attracting a lot of attention under his eponymous label in recent vintages. With wines of the calibre of Rendition 2021, it’s easy to see why. Vinted in an elegant style from a blend of Bendigo and Lowburn fruit, this wine shows an amalgam of red and dark fruits on the nose with black cherry notes holding centre stage. Regional green herbage / thyme characters also enter the conversation, while some game and spicy oak characters emerge as the wine opens in the glass. The palate is quite broad and silky, and while it shows some swagger and opulence, the overall impression here is one of refinement and finesse. Tannins are very supple and the finish is long and sweet-fruited. Match with a rich duck cassoulet or a mushroom risotto and wait for the angels to chime in.

Brookfields Sun Dried Malbec 2021 – Hawke’s Bay

Available from $26.99

This has always been a big, bold wine in the context of New Zealand reds and the wonderful 2021 Hawke’s Bay vintage has taken this much-loved wine to even greater heights. Blended from sun-dried Tuki Tuki and Ohiti Estate fruit, it shows masses of black plum, leather and green herbs on the nose and a full-bodied palate that fills every corner of the mouth with flavour and spice. The sun drying process (where fruit is dried in open air shade houses to concentrate sugars and amplify flavours) brings in a whole new dimension with caramel fruits, anise and black pepper all raising their hands.  It’s sturdy and fulsome but never falls into the trap of being ‘over the top’, and this vintage is the best I can remember trying from this top-tier producer. Match with hearty red meat dishes or a bold, vegetable lasagna over the coming 8+ years. 

Mac's Picks – 22 April 2023

Mac's Picks – 22 April 2023

22/04/2023

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 Riley The Bonnie Rose 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $15.99

With so many good New Zealand Rosés in the market these days, it takes something special to stand out from the crowd but The Bonnie from long-established Marlborough producer Mount Riley, does just that. Mount Riley has a strong reputation as a value seller and this 2022 rosé clearly fits into that category. It’s deliciously fragrant with a potpourri of white flowers and red summer fruits - and bright berry / watermelon characters flow through to a lightly creamy palate that shows a gentle kiss of sweetness. The finish is zingy and crisp, and the interplay between the acid and fruit structures in this wine is absolutely bang on. It is truly delicious. If you’re getting a bit tired of the bone-dry ‘Provence-esque’ Rose’s and want to return to a more classic interpretation of pink Kiwi wine, The Bonnie would be an excellent choice – and is highly recommended for Autumn enjoyment. 

Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $24.99

After concentrating on global export markets for much of the last decade, Whitehaven has refocused their marketing efforts on wider domestic distribution over the last couple of years. It’s good to see their portfolio regaining a stronger foothold here in New Zealand. Whitehaven have always been a quality producer with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris their strongest suits. This 2022 pinot gris is dry to taste and shows lifted notes of pear and honeysuckle on the nose and palate. It’s quite a serious style with good structure and some tannic grip - and some subtle spice characters emerge as the wine unfolds in your mouth. It’s a wine that has been made for the dinner table and really needs food to be seen at its best. Try it with a tangy rocket, pear and fennel salad for a match made in heaven. 

La Baume Le Grande Olivette Chardonnay 2021 - France 

Available from $19.99

Affordable wines from southern France continue to impress me. Gone are the days when Pays d’Oc and the Languedoc-Roussillon were hotbeds of mediocrity, and there are now plenty of good, sharply-priced wines from these southern regions that are worth seeking out. La Baume have been making wine in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon for well over a century and this respected winery boasts an enviable track record for their graceful chardonnays and robust syrahs. Le Grande Olivette takes fruit from Pays d’Oc and it’s a very good example of modern French Chardonnay. Vibrant and fresh on the nose, it shows stonefruit, cashew and sweet citrus notes that flow through to a creamy palate with good texture and weight. It very comfortably operates in the medium to full-bodied chardonnay lane and a nice line of acidity keeps you focused and keen for more. If you’re shopping for a mid-tier chardonnay and want to start looking at some European options, Le Grande Olivette would be a nice place to start your journey to the fascinating world of French white wines. 

 

Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2019 - Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This is great buying for Pinot Noir fans. Plush and fulsome by Marlborough standards, it shows an amalgam of red and black berry fruits on a nose that is complexed by subtle anise and green herbage characters. The palate is rounded and ripe with lovely flow in the mouth. The finish is long and graceful with refined tannins and soft acidity – and the lasting impression is about as good as you could ever hope for, from New Zealand Pinot Noir at this price point. It’s one of those wines where everything comes together beautifully, and the result far exceeds the sum of its parts. Enjoy now but tuck a few extra bottles away to open over the next 3-5 years.

 

Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend 2021 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $19.99

I take my hat off to Trinity Hill. Though deservedly best known for their flagship releases, their entry level / white label wines continue to impress, with the red wines from the 2020 and 2021 vintages particularly strong. Perhaps my favourite from their current offerings is the excellent 2021 The Trinity – a merlot blend that uses cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and a splash of petit verdot to add depth and tannic structure to the dominant merlot component. 2021 was a topnotch vintage for Hawke’s Bay reds and this wine is redolent with spicy plum and blackberry on the nose, while some subtle tobacco leaf notes add further interest. The palate is fleshy and ripe upfront but takes a more serious stance as the wine moves through the mouth. This finish is long and soft with friendly tannins and rounded acidity. Regardless of price, this is a very pleasant example of blended red and being able to buy Hawke’s Bay wine of this calibre under $20 is a gift for any wine enthusiast. 

Clos des Miran Cotes du Rhone 2019 – France

Available from $23.99

If you’re a fan of middleweight European red wines, it’s hard not to fall for the glossy, dark charms of a nice bottle of Cotes du Rhone. Grenache and syrah blends seem to strike a special chord with New Zealand wine buyers and Cotes du Rhone is a wine style that feels almost tailormade for Kiwis looking to expand into French reds. The grenache component brings amplified flavours reminiscent of dark Central Otago Pinot Noir- while syrah from the Rhone shares much in common with its younger Hawke’s Bay cousin. From the very good 2019 vintage, this low intervention release is fragrant and spicy with layers of black / red fruits and an underlying mocha character on the palate. It’s a typically supple style, in the medium-bodied spectrum, and the spice on the palate builds in the mouth as the wine moves across the palate. Enjoy by itself or partner it with a wide range of hearty foods. I had a couple of glasses last weekend with a replay of the Hurricanes – Chiefs game and found that combination to be an excellent match (apart from the fact that the Chiefs won).   

Mac's Picks – 22 April 2023

22/04/2023

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 Riley The Bonnie Rose 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $15.99

With so many good New Zealand Rosés in the market these days, it takes something special to stand out from the crowd but The Bonnie from long-established Marlborough producer Mount Riley, does just that. Mount Riley has a strong reputation as a value seller and this 2022 rosé clearly fits into that category. It’s deliciously fragrant with a potpourri of white flowers and red summer fruits - and bright berry / watermelon characters flow through to a lightly creamy palate that shows a gentle kiss of sweetness. The finish is zingy and crisp, and the interplay between the acid and fruit structures in this wine is absolutely bang on. It is truly delicious. If you’re getting a bit tired of the bone-dry ‘Provence-esque’ Rose’s and want to return to a more classic interpretation of pink Kiwi wine, The Bonnie would be an excellent choice – and is highly recommended for Autumn enjoyment. 

Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2022 - Marlborough

Available from $24.99

After concentrating on global export markets for much of the last decade, Whitehaven has refocused their marketing efforts on wider domestic distribution over the last couple of years. It’s good to see their portfolio regaining a stronger foothold here in New Zealand. Whitehaven have always been a quality producer with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris their strongest suits. This 2022 pinot gris is dry to taste and shows lifted notes of pear and honeysuckle on the nose and palate. It’s quite a serious style with good structure and some tannic grip - and some subtle spice characters emerge as the wine unfolds in your mouth. It’s a wine that has been made for the dinner table and really needs food to be seen at its best. Try it with a tangy rocket, pear and fennel salad for a match made in heaven. 

La Baume Le Grande Olivette Chardonnay 2021 - France 

Available from $19.99

Affordable wines from southern France continue to impress me. Gone are the days when Pays d’Oc and the Languedoc-Roussillon were hotbeds of mediocrity, and there are now plenty of good, sharply-priced wines from these southern regions that are worth seeking out. La Baume have been making wine in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon for well over a century and this respected winery boasts an enviable track record for their graceful chardonnays and robust syrahs. Le Grande Olivette takes fruit from Pays d’Oc and it’s a very good example of modern French Chardonnay. Vibrant and fresh on the nose, it shows stonefruit, cashew and sweet citrus notes that flow through to a creamy palate with good texture and weight. It very comfortably operates in the medium to full-bodied chardonnay lane and a nice line of acidity keeps you focused and keen for more. If you’re shopping for a mid-tier chardonnay and want to start looking at some European options, Le Grande Olivette would be a nice place to start your journey to the fascinating world of French white wines. 

 

Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2019 - Marlborough

Available from $19.99

This is great buying for Pinot Noir fans. Plush and fulsome by Marlborough standards, it shows an amalgam of red and black berry fruits on a nose that is complexed by subtle anise and green herbage characters. The palate is rounded and ripe with lovely flow in the mouth. The finish is long and graceful with refined tannins and soft acidity – and the lasting impression is about as good as you could ever hope for, from New Zealand Pinot Noir at this price point. It’s one of those wines where everything comes together beautifully, and the result far exceeds the sum of its parts. Enjoy now but tuck a few extra bottles away to open over the next 3-5 years.

 

Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend 2021 - Hawke's Bay

Available from $19.99

I take my hat off to Trinity Hill. Though deservedly best known for their flagship releases, their entry level / white label wines continue to impress, with the red wines from the 2020 and 2021 vintages particularly strong. Perhaps my favourite from their current offerings is the excellent 2021 The Trinity – a merlot blend that uses cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and a splash of petit verdot to add depth and tannic structure to the dominant merlot component. 2021 was a topnotch vintage for Hawke’s Bay reds and this wine is redolent with spicy plum and blackberry on the nose, while some subtle tobacco leaf notes add further interest. The palate is fleshy and ripe upfront but takes a more serious stance as the wine moves through the mouth. This finish is long and soft with friendly tannins and rounded acidity. Regardless of price, this is a very pleasant example of blended red and being able to buy Hawke’s Bay wine of this calibre under $20 is a gift for any wine enthusiast. 

Clos des Miran Cotes du Rhone 2019 – France

Available from $23.99

If you’re a fan of middleweight European red wines, it’s hard not to fall for the glossy, dark charms of a nice bottle of Cotes du Rhone. Grenache and syrah blends seem to strike a special chord with New Zealand wine buyers and Cotes du Rhone is a wine style that feels almost tailormade for Kiwis looking to expand into French reds. The grenache component brings amplified flavours reminiscent of dark Central Otago Pinot Noir- while syrah from the Rhone shares much in common with its younger Hawke’s Bay cousin. From the very good 2019 vintage, this low intervention release is fragrant and spicy with layers of black / red fruits and an underlying mocha character on the palate. It’s a typically supple style, in the medium-bodied spectrum, and the spice on the palate builds in the mouth as the wine moves across the palate. Enjoy by itself or partner it with a wide range of hearty foods. I had a couple of glasses last weekend with a replay of the Hurricanes – Chiefs game and found that combination to be an excellent match (apart from the fact that the Chiefs won).   

Mac's Picks – 8 April 2023

Mac's Picks – 8 April 2023

8/04/2023

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.   

Mac's Picks – 8 April 2023

8/04/2023

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.