Wines of the week

Within your means

2004 Red Knot Shiraz McLaren Vale $14-$16

At this price it is amazing value to find an Australian shiraz that tastes of more than just jammy, sweet, fruity flavours. This deeply coloured red is an easy contender for best red under $15 in New Zealand right now, with fresh, delicious flavours for after-work drinking or at a barbecue. Sealed with a Zork; a peel-off plastic stopper that refits the bottle after opening.

Available widely.

The splurge

2005 Jackson Estate Grey Ghost Sauvignon Blanc $29-$30

If words such as restrained, clean and fresh mean anything in relation to sauvignon blanc, then this is just the white for you. Snap up half a case or more of this outstanding sauvignon blanc from the very decent 2005 vintage. Available from specialist wine stores.

Cellar palate

2004 Craggy Range Rapaura Riesling $25-$26

This wine is light, fleshy and delicious, with paradoxical intensity of flavour and length. The only downside is that just 200 to 400 cases are made of it each year. Check it out at your nearest specialist wine store or buy online.

Available from specialist wine stores such as Caros Wines, Auckland or email: info@craggyrange.co.nz.