May 5th
Muddy Water Sugar Daddy Riesling 2008 RRP $44.95
From the Greystone winery in Waipara, this is a muscular dessert wine that delivers what it promises on the label. Heady aromas of quince, apricot and treacle jump out at you and the palate covers every point on the sweet spectrum, without ever being cloying. It slips down beautifully, helped by a nice hint of acid on the finish.
May 12th
Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port RRP $56-$60
This is a supercharged ruby port made from grapes that just missed the cut from the Graham's vintage and it tastes like it. A dense, inky crimson in the glass, the nose is packed with plum, oak, leather and earthy notes and the palate is exquisite. It starts off with a big hit of plums, before progressing through violets to pepper and the finish is long, luscious and spicy. A great all-round port.
May 19th
Tortora Vinos Tempranillo 2011 RRP $24.99
Available through ViNtellect/Direct Wines, this cracking little Spaniard will make a perfect partner for pretty much any rich meat dish. Warm and generous, with soft tannins and a lovely spicy blackberry nose, it's a classically smooth winter warmer with long fruit and tobacco leaf flavours, backed up by spicy oak. A bargain, too, when you consider what you're getting for this price.
May 26th
Bodegas Castano Hecula 2009 RRP $22.94
Made from monastrell (better known outside Spain as mourvedre or mataro), this is a lovely generous little winter warmer that goes well with most hearty dishes. Nice layers of flavour, including blackberry, cherry, spice and a hint of anise. A welcoming and hospitable wine and well worth the money.
