Wine: Sing the praises

This is sauvignon, but not as we know it.

The Beatles sang All You Need Is Love. I’d argue a glass of wine wouldn’t hurt…

Brightwater Lord Rutherford Nelson sauvignon blanc 2015 $30

Whenever Brightwater release a "Lord Rutherford" you know it's something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines, while winemaker Tom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and into this bottle. With its smoked passionfruit, soft herbs, citrus and marzipan notes, this is sauvignon, but not as we know it.

Sip with: steamed pipis and garlic bread.

Two Hands Angels Share McLaren Vale shiraz 2014 $39

Immediately on the nose here's a classic, juicy, meaty and spice-hefty wine that boasts bucketloads of bright berries and cocoa characters in the mouth as well. For a vibrant, elegant, substantial shiraz that also leaves fine, chewy tannins on the finish - a winner.

Sip with: slow-cooked beef cheeks.

Tony Bish Skeetfield Hawke's Bay chardonnay 2015 $55

Bish's name is synonymous with crafting some of New Zealand's most iconic chardonnays and here's his flagship creation. Sourced from old, dry-farmed Mendoza clone fruit from Denis Gunn's vineyard, it shows layers of grapefruit pith, hazelnut, crisp, crunchy-fresh stonefruit marrying with soft, creamy notes in the mouth to create an elegant, almond-edged style.

Sip with: chicken and fennel pie.

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