Slick sauvignon
Toi Toi 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough sauvignon blancs have never been more affordable and wines like this one – fresh, aromatic and zingy – are terrific bargains.
This is an excellent thirst-quencher with passionfruit/gooseberry notes to the fore – you wouldn’t mistake it for anything other than Kiwi savvy blanc.
It has plenty of length and palate interest and would be good with shellfish. Toi Toi, in case you were wondering, is New Zealand’s native grass. $10.95.
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Special celebration
Peter Lehmann 2012 Stonewell Shiraz
Australia Day is around the corner and if you are looking for a special bottle to toast the date then wines don’t come much more Aussie than this Barossa shiraz.
This wine is made from grapes selected from the best fruit from Lehmann’s many grape growers – in this case three premium-low yielding vineyards.
It is priced for a special occasion but it is the pinnacle of the Lehmann range with typically bold Barossa fruit along with layers of flavour and complexity. $80.
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Tassie gem
Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers 2016 Nouveau
Tasmanian pinot noir is all the rage – and no one is hotter in the category than Nick Glaetzer, who crafts no fewer than four different pinots in a range of styles.
These rank from this entry level and very classy quaffer to the Avance, the high-end Reveur and his new benchmark $220-a-bottle, La Judith.
This is, thankfully, more affordable and made in a juicy, fresh, drink-now style along the lines of Beaujolais Nouveau, hence the name. $27.
