The grapes harvest has kicked in across the land. We, hand on heart, wish our winemakers God speed and good luck in this time of anguish and turmoil…
Church Road Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $16
Crafted from a blend of Hawke’s Bay merlot and syrah by the scarily talented Chris Scott and his winemaking team, this rosé is generous, juicy and heaving with cherry, berry, creaming soda characters and a finish so long they give you a ‘thank you for participating’ medal. Tangy-fresh and frisky.
Sip with: Seared tuna, melon & fennel salad.
shop.countdown.co.nz
Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $29.95
This is a snazzy southern pinot packed with cherry, baking spices, raspberry and tamarillo characters that batta bing with bold tannins to create a deliciously chewy texture and a long, fruit-soaked finish.
Sip with: roast venison and pickled blueberries.
www.blackmarket.co.nz
Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $35
If someone held a gun to your head and demanded you name one of New Zealand’s most highly awarded sauvignon blanc’s or it’s curtains – then best you whip out Wairau Reserve. The current release is a cracker. Lemongrass, passionfruit, zesty citrus, sugarsnap pea, white pepper and capsicum characters lead to a luscious, lime-induced glass of gorgeousness.
Sip with: smoked scampi, parsley and lemon.
www.saintclair.co.nz
