Wine: Magic touches

Want change out of $30 this weekend? Look no further.

Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24

Ryan O'Connell did a very clever thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale, because now they're a firm favourite with Hobbit fans. The 50-year-old family dairy farm was converted to grape-growing some years back and they contract-grew for big brands until deciding to have a crack at bottling their own. This pinot has forest floor, dark berries and broody spices, soft tannins.

Sip with: tuna tartare.
Available on Bitewine.co.nz

Hawkshead Central Otago Riesling 2014 $28

This stony, sun-baked pocket of perfection reveals racy, riotously good riesling. Winemaker Dean Shaw has captured intense lime, grapefruit and mandarin flavours dusted with quartz and flint to create this lip-smacking sip. Owner Denis Marshall is a former Minister of Conservation, Minister of Lands and the Associate Minister of Agriculture, devoted to sustainability.

Sip with: spicy, coriander-laden seafood salad.

Matawhero Church House Gisborne Malbec 2015 $26

A huge lift of berries and cocoa on the nose lead to an abundant and lush impression in the mouth. The Searle family are building quite a reputation for magic malbec with fresh acidity, rosehip, cranberry and pepper flavours and a smooth, incredibly textural spicy finish.

Sip with: rare beef tataki.
Available on Bitewine.co.nz

Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.