March’s Best Drops

Dry River Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009

Dense dark wine with a fragrant floral bouquet, concentrated flavours of dark berries, dried fruit and spice, blended seamlessly with ripe sweet tannins leading into a long succulent finish, a wine that will continue to please for sometime so well worth cellaring, for stockists go to www.dryriver.co.nz about $84 in NZ.

Dry River Martinborough Pinot Gris 2010

Aromas of ripe melon and stone fruit lead on to luscious rich and spicy palate, beautifully balanced wine, textural and rich the sweet fruit complimenting the zingy acidity, gorgeous and deliciously drinkable, about $55 in NZ.

Karikari Estate Chardonnay 2009

From New Zealand’s northernmost winery a stylish and very approachable wine, peachy fruit and smoky oak on the palate progresses to a long smooth finish, drinking beautifully now but has cellaring potential. Go to www.karikariestate.co.nz  for stockists, about $32 in NZ.

Karikari Estate Toa 2007

This red is a blend of Cabernet Franc/Malbec with a small quantity of Pinotage. Toa is Maori for Warrior and personifies strength, harmony, balance and intensity. Big rich full bodied wine with plenty of grunt, blackberries and plummy fruit flavours solid ripe tannins and a long sweet finish; the winemaker recommended decantering before serving which was appreciated, about $40 in NZ.

Misha’s Vineyard The High Note Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009

Fine elegant wine with intense dark cherry and smoky savoury notes, tight and still developing, a slightly lighter wine than the 2008 but one that has a perfect balance of sweet fruit and acid that will keep this wine youthful for some time yet, for stockists go to www.mishasvineyard.com  about $45 in NZ.

Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Central Otago Riesling 2010

This is my sort of Riesling crisp medium-dry with strong lemon lime flavours and a long tight finish. A small portion was fermented naturally in old French oak barrels which has heightened the sweetness. This wine was a standout match when served at The Grove restaurant with Tortellini of saffron & goat’s ricotta, about $26 in NZ.