New Zealand wines costing more than $100 per bottle are relatively rare but despite the tough economic times they're growing in number.
Inflation may take its toll and there's no doubt producers have increasing costs and surcharges to absorb. But our top-end wines are not only superb, they're still extremely well-priced compared with their European equivalents.
So who are the bold local producers with so much self-belief that they're confident that $100-plus is quite acceptable? Most importantly, are their wines worth it?
As expected, most of these wines are red, although an occasional white makes the cut. With the odd exception, the New Zealand reds aren't necessarily made in every vintage but only in exquisite years, as opposed to the French who, even if the vintage is average, manage to make it sound "magnifique".
The best-known local with a proven track record would be Gordon Russell's Esk Valley The Terraces. A Hawkes Bay beauty with bold spicy flavours thanks to its malbec dominance (40 per cent), cabernet franc (33 per cent) and merlot (27 per cent). None were made in 2007-08 but the 2009 exhibits all the qualities that have created a cult following for this sublime Rhone-style red. The current release retails for $135.
