Wine: Longing for robust reds

Tired of summer whites and rosé wines? Longing for a robust red even if you have to match it with fish and salad? Help is at hand ...

All wines available at bitewine.co.nz for a limited time.

2013 Leveret Estate Reserve Merlot Cabernet
It's hard to find a merlot-dominant Bordeaux-style red these days. Most are cabernet-dominant, but it often depends on how the vintage went. This is a most appealing Hawkes Bay wine with grapes from the renowned red metal soils of the Bridge Pa district. Nudging 14.5 per cent alcohol, it is a food wine crying out for a hefty piece of red meat. Drinking now but will reward careful cellaring. Finely balanced with flavours of blackcurrant, herbs, mint and chocolate.
Price: $34

2013 Mud House Claim 431 Pinot Noir
Single vineyard Central Otago (claim 431 in Bendigo, to be precise) is an area with a reputation for delivering brambly, succulent fruit. Says winemaker Nadine Worley, "It was a great growing season, which produced outstanding fruit and a pinot noir that I think will turn heads." This has bounce and character - fulsome and brimming with crushed boysenberries, dark plums, spice and elegant oak touches.

Full of generous, textured fruit, this pinot noir is bold and beautiful.
Price: $35

2013 Crossroads Winemakers Collection Syrah
For those who eschew shy, retiring wines, this is a winner. The previous two vintages of this particular wine have collected an impressive array of gold medals and the 2013 is from a splendid vintage for rich reds. If you're looking for something appropriate to pair with venison, duck or beef, this is it. Gutsy but with silky fine tannins and a mouth-filling long finish, it more than justifies its price. Flavours of dark berries and plum and, typically for Hawkes Bay syrah, violets, pepper and a pleasant smokiness.
Price: $40