As far as sparkling wines go, the Sherwood Estate 2008 Laverique ($30) 
is now a new favourite. A 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, its lean, lemony aromas and elegant, minerally mouthfeel made it lovely to drink. Rich, toasty and fresh, it has personality, poise and fantastic length of flavour. www.sherwood.co.nz. I have to be honest and say that the sauvignon blancs on offer didn’t spin my wheels as much as I’d hoped they would, however the last one in the line-up was absolutely sensational.
