New Releases July 2010

Sileni Cellar Selection Merlot 2008

Plum and berry fruit nicely balanced by just a touch of smoky oak, soft ripe tannins and plenty of ripe fruit make this an easy drinking wine that is at its best now, about $19 in NZ.

Main Divide Waipara Valley Chardonnay 2008

Year after year this wine always delivers far more than its price suggests. Ripe sweet grapefruit flavours beautifully wrapped in toasty oak, a serious wine that reflects the pedigree of the Pegasus Bay winery is not to be missed, about $19 in NZ.

Saint Clair Marlborough Riesling 2009

Delicate light and refreshingly crisp, lime/lemon flavours and a long honeyed finish, young wine still developing that will reward cellaring for at least 2-3 years, about $20 in NZ.

Crowded House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Crisp fresh and herbaceous with distinctive green gooseberry flavours, a fruity drink anytime wine from Catalina Sounds winemaker Nina Stocker, about $18 in NZ.

Tupari Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009

A new boutique wine label made by winemaker Glenn Thomas from Awatere Valley fruit, Glenn has had years of experience working with fruit from this side of the hills and has crafted an outstanding wine. Rich concentrated flavours of pears and spice full bodied with substantial alcohol and a long spicy finish, medium dry style that should be enjoyed with food, about $29 in NZ for stockists go to www.tupari.co.nz .

Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008

Savoury complex wine with ripe dark cherry flavours, fine structured tannins, lovely balance elegant and delicious drinking, about $35 in NZ for stockists go to www.mitrerocks.co.nz . 

Vidal Hawkes Bay Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Dark dense ruby aromas of smoky oak and ripe plums, full bodied wine with sweet ripe tannins, a smartly priced wine that offers more than you expect, about $20 in NZ.