Wines available at BITEwine.co.nz for a limited time
Odyssey Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
This is one of two certified organic wines now in winemaker Rebecca Salmond's Odyssey stable, and this example of grassy, herbaceous goodness scooped a gold medal at the 2015 NZ Organic Wine Awards earlier in the year. Classic pea pod, crushed basil, red capsicum, lime and cut grass characters burst from the glass before giving you a passionfruity punch in the face. It's got that squinty acidity that southern sauvignon is famous for.
Price: $22.95
Gustave Lorentz Reserve Pinot Gris 2012
The Lorentz family have been making wine for more than 250 years in the tiny medieval town of Bergheim, specialising in the classic Alsatian varieties of riesling, pinot blanc, gewurztraminer and pinot gris. Simply pour this version of the latter into your glass and prepare for pickled quince, poached pear and spicy apple strudel flavours to wash across your taste buds. I love the slightly chalky texture and white pepper edge to the finish.
Price: $29
Ata Rangi Celebre 2013
Martinborough is a region more famous for pinot noir than bold blends of merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. But if anyone's going to do it, Helen Masters and her Ata Rangi team can. This Rhone-meets-Bordeaux blend was first made back in 1986 and it's been a hit ever since. Ruby-coloured, it shows earthy, meaty aromas where leather and pepper merge with prune, blueberry, blackcurrant and leafy, dried herb characters in the mouth. It's firm and concentrated, yet bright and incredibly fresh to drink.
Price: $40
