What I Drank in The Holidays

Our Auckland summer keeps going and going and long may it last. Grapes love dry, hot weather – so bring it on.

Most folks will now be in denial, having returned to work after the summer holiday break.  Summer is my busy season in wine tourism – driving people to drink in Kumeu and Waiheke Island.  Still, there have been many wines to sample over the last month or two and here are some highlights.
Happy New Year – and cheers!

Loveblock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 $NZ 21.99 (Glengarry)
From Kim Crawford’s organic boutique winery.  Aromas of stone fruit and citrus. Lush and fruity, with crisp pear, rock melon and a lengthy finish. Great with seafood.

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury  Sauvignon / Semillon $NZ 32.00 (Glengarry and Caro’s)
Sauvignon blanc and semillon 70/30 blend in a full-bodied, flavoursome style. Semillon was oak aged to add texture. Flinty aromas with a whiff of gooseberry.  A big lengthy palate of gooseberry, pineapple, green capsicum and grass.  Good match with seafood. Try a Thai fish curry.

Church Road McDonald Series Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2017 $NZ 22 (widely available)
Church Road chardonnay was the gateway wine that led me on my journey of discovery about 20 years ago. Respec.  It has varied a bit in style over the years, but has always been a good value chard from the Brancott stable (formerly known as Montana).  Nice nose of hazelnut and stone fruit. Creamy palate of grapefruit, nectarine and a dry crisp finish. Great with chicken and mango salad.

Main Divide North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2015 $NZ 25 (Glengarry, Vino Fino, blackmarket.co.nz)
Knockout great value pinot from Pegasus Bay’s second tier label. Aromas of spices  black cherry and ripe plum. Flavours of cherry, spice, black pepper, savoury truffle and silky, lengthy tannins.  Fab with any red meats, and  spiced duck.

No 1 Family Estate Marlborough Rosé NV $NZ 47 (Glengarry)
Stunningly good traditional method 100% Marlborough pinot noir rosé from Daniel Le Brun Smells like sour cherry and nougat. Rich, ripe and voluptuously frothy in the mouth with creamy almond nougat, sour cherry, a hint of sweetness. Lengthy finish. Drink any time!

Phil runs the best Auckland wine tours in the known Universe.