Marsden Estate Bay of Islands Tempranillo 2014 $42 ★★★★
Who would have thought that big, busty, dusty Spanish red grapes like Tempranillo would ever be happy growing in a tiny, 10 acre, sub-tropical pocket of Northland? Not many, if any. But Rod McIvor of Marsden Estate had full faith and this juicy, plush, spicy red is the result. Lifted berryfruit and black tea on the nose, followed by a squeak of cherry and liquorice and a velvety, slippery, savoury finish. www.marsdenestate.co.nz
