Wine: Three reasons we should toast today

Reasons to be cheerful. On this day in 1932 the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. On the same day in 1957 Elvis Presley bought Graceland, and today in 1984, TV show Kate & Allie premiered. Let’s raise a toast to random trivia …

Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013

Just a splash of "whole bunch" has gone into the ferment to enhance the texture and richness of this wine. Whole bunch ferments are very different to the usual "crushed berry" ferments and they really add all sorts of complex layers of black tea, dark cherry and soft smoky notes to the wine.

I love the elastic, velvety tannins and the juicy texture. Winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert does it again.

Pair with: slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

Price: $50

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Nelson 2013 Gewurztraminer

Those of you who love the unmistakeable lift of lychee, turkish delight and freshly grated ginger that a good gewurz can bring, will enjoy this crisp, crunchy new release. It's not a bold, lusciously sweet example, more a bouncy, buoyant and tangy-fresh sip that leaves a twang of lemon verbena and peach on the palate. A real crowd-pleaser.

Pair with: butter chicken.

Price: $18

Castelforte Pinot Grigio IGT 2014

I love the instant hit of lime, lemon and nashi pear on the nose and the incredibly clean, focused, floral and mineral direction on the palate. It's pillowy and elegant to drink, soft yet constantly present with its gum-tingling acidity. Plus the label looks like money and there's faint hint of sweetness on the finish. Yum!

Pair with: Goat's cheese anything.

Price: $19

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