First of the summer wines

Kumeu River Wines. Photo / Carolyn Robertson

The change of season is upon us, bursting with life and new wines to savour. Jo Burzynska shares her top picks.

S-Series Moscato NV, Triplebank Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Te Mata Estate Vineyards Hawke's Bay Gamay Noir.

The Elder Martinborough Pinot Gris 2012

- $42

Another impressive new release, The Elder pinot gris is a richer style of gris, with real depth and complexity to its creamy textured palate, which unfurls to display notes of fresh pear and toasty hazelnut, leading to a fresh spicy finish.

From regionalwines.co.nz.

Estampa Estate Colchagua Valley Carmenere Malbec, Chile 2011

- $17.99

As the barbecues are fired up, a robust and ripe red like this is a perfect partner to grilled fare. This is a new import from the warm Colchagua region of Colchagua made from Chile's flagship red grape carmenere and a touch of malbec. It's packed with smooth and ripe plummy fruit with notes of pepper, the classic carmenere note of capsicum and herb.

From selected branches of Super Liquor and Kiwi Liquor, Titirangi Village Wines & Spirits, Swanson Village Wines & Spirits, Outlet Central, West Harbour Wines & Spirits, toitoiwines.co.nz

Hunter's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Alexandre Monmousseau Turonien Vouvray, France, Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir and Bond Road Ormond Gisborne Gewurztraminer.

Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012 - $29
Pretty and poised, this delicate pinot noir from the consistently impressive Mahi estate has delicate red plum and cherry fruit and a beguiling aromatic element with high notes of star anise and fresh florals over a savoury and minerally base.
Available from Caro's, Farro Fresh, Fine Wine Delivery Company, Liquor King Ponsonby, mahiwine.co.nz.

Bond Road Ormond Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2009 -$56
As wines from Nick Nobilo's flagship Vinoptima gewurztraminer project now nudge into a three-figure price tag, this newly launched second label is a more affordable option. However, this is no bargain basement wine and still exudes gewurz greatness in its viscous and weighty, but fresh, palate that fuses fragrant notes of coriander, ginger and Turkish delight.
From Glengarry, Caro's, Advintage, Liquorland and Liquor King Gisborne, Super Liquor Te Puke.

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