Wine: Finally, the weekend

In a week of being so busy I can’t feel my face, it’s heartening to know that tasty relief is at hand…

Seresin Sun and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125

Also available on bitewine.co.nz for a limited time.

Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelised plums served in a bowl carved from oak. Seresin's flagship pinot, the purest expression they can make, is intense in the mouth, with high acidity and muscular, supple tannins. The length of flavour is persistent, brooding and moody; yet there's vibrancy and tension to burn. Pricey, but mind-numbingly nicey.

Sip with: Ruth Pretty's duck shepherd's pie.

Tony Bish Heartwood Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2016 $35

The debut release this month from the chardonnay's commander-in-chief is pure balance and excess combined. My quest for excellent chardonnay is basically what gets me up in the morning, so the day after sipping this, I had a blissful, snorey sleep-in. Fleshy, juicy, stonefruit notes combine with a whiff of seasoned, toasty oak and wash over a pillowy, creaminess to create a rich, succulent, satisfying sip.

Sip with: creamy tarragon chicken.

Murphy Goode California Chardonnay 2014 $25

Super-creamilicious on the nose and palate, this is a classic California chardonnay from Santa Rosa that I'm sure will appeal to both the mamas and the papas and cool kids alike. Bursting with ultra-ripe peach, coconut, vanilla and layers of roasty-toasty almond, it's also fresh, citrusy and a total trop-fest
on the palate.

Sip with: baked, cornflake-coated chicken Maryland.

Yvonne Lorkin is co-founder and chief tasting officer of winefriend.co.nz and a Wine Writers of NZ member.