Panicking about not having bought me a Christmas present yet? Fret not. I’ll be quite happy with either of these before New Year thanks…
Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough ‘Ranu’ 2017 $28
Named after the Maori verb meaning ‘to mix’, a single bin each of riesling, pinot gris and gewürztraminer was hand harvested on April 11th from different blocks, blended and fermented wild, to create a wine that commemorates Lawson’s 25th anniversary. It’s a glorious, gussy-up of citrus, peach and musky magic. Juicy and succulent, it’s the apple, nashi and lemon verbena notes that lift it to next level loveliness.
Sip with: gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce.
www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz
Moët & Chandon Imperial Golden Sparkle Limited Edition NV $69
I love the aromas of rising dough, biscuity notes, and almond meal drizzled with lemon and a touch of tropical fruit in this festive fizz. On the palate it’s zesty and dry, full, yeasty and edged with a squeak of citrus to elongate the flavour layers. The bead is delicate, it looks and tastes like Christmas and it’ll impress the pants off your friends.
Sip with: mini scallop mornay’s in the shell.
Amisfield RKV Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $120
When winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert decides to take a batch of fruit from Amisfield’s lean, bony, loessial Rocky Knoll Vineyard to create a wine she feels is exceptional, then you should take notice. The RKV was created in 2007 and now it’s a Central Otago icon. Wild strawberry, cherry, dried thyme and tea-like aromas lead to an incredibly smooth, succulent mouthfeel. It’s elegant, statuesque and built to last, yet silky and slippery enough to enjoy now. Seriously special.
Sip with: Seared duck breast and tamarind dressing.
www.amisfield.co.nz
