Wine: Nautilus Estate's 30th celebrations

Marlborough's Nautilus Estate is celebrating its 30th year and continues its early promise of premium wines at affordable prices.

1. N.V. Cuvee Marlborough Brut

A regular standout from the Nautilus stable with a house style that is pinot noir-dominant and 30 per cent chardonnay. Grapes are from three vineyard sites providing a range of flavours. It has a distinctive nutty bouquet with overlays of biscuity lemon meringue loveliness and a sharp, dry finish. This is light, lively, luscious and always an absolute stunner.

Price: $43

2. 2013 Nautilus Estate Chardonnay

Just released and, as Clive Jones, veteran winemaker of 16 Nautilus vintages says,
"It's a wine we've been re-focusing on, getting away from that oaky, blowsy style and going for more elegance and refinement." A must for serious chardonnay lovers looking for the perfect match with ravioli, white meat dishes or, frankly, anything. A mineral structure with a creamy texture and whispers of white peach.

Price: $36

3. 2013 Nautilus Estate Gruner Veltliner

"A trendy alternative to sauvignon blanc, veltliner has those passionfruit characters with a chalky texture," Jones says. First planted in 2009, this is worth trying. It's expressive, with a touch of straw, lemongrass and a whiff of kerosene. Try with antipasto.

Price: $31

All wines featured are available at heraldwine.co.nz.