Moutere Hills Nelson Rumer 2016 $55 
Here’s a sensational, smoked-berries-and-leather layered lovely from one of our favourite Nelson-based producers. Unusual in that it’s predominantly merlot, winemaker Rusty Rayne (cool name) has also blended syrah and cabernet sauvignon alongside it, to give inject extra, peppery gravitas. Named after Rusty’s much-loved vineyard Kelpie dog, this rockin’ red scampers across the tongue and herds those furry tannins around the gums like a pro. The acidity is fresh and frisky and there’s a comet’s tail of cherry and raspberry to finish. Enjoy with sausage and chicken liver cannelloni. Drink now – 2024
