Babich 'Irongate' Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Cabernet Merlot Franc 2013 $35
Cabernet can be a tough variety to ripen in New Zealand, but the great conditions of the 2013 vintage in Hawkes Bay have resulted in some lovely cabernets and cabernet-dominant wines. This great example is muscular but elegant with a brooding, concentrated palate of dark berry fruit, notes of cocoa and licorice and ripe supple tannins. From Glengarry, Caro's.
Trapiche 'Broquel' Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina 2012 $20.99
There are some fantastic rich reds coming out of South America at sharp prices and this velvety, voluptuous example could have been included in the bargain buys category, it offers such great value drinking. It's packed with rich ripe berry fruit reminiscent of cassis liqueur that's dusted with roasted spice, dark chocolate and a suggestion of violets. Available in all fine wine stores.
Unison Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Syrah 2012 $52
Svelte and spicy, this classy syrah from Gimblett Gravels is silky and fresh, with notes of red plum and white pepper, and possesses nice concentration. From Wine Direct, The Wine Barrel, Fine Wine Delivery Company, Caro's, Brown's Bay Liquor.
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay 'Serine' Syrah 2013 $31
Another excellent wine from the 2013 vintage. This seriously good syrah from the second label of this pioneering estate is tightly knit and deeply fruited with notes of juicy black plum, leather and fragrant sweet spice and black pepper. From Caro's, Wine Direct, Point Wines, Liquor Quay, The Merchant of Taupo.
Yalumba Paradox North Barossa Shiraz, Australia 2010 $29.95
A promising debut of a new Yalumba label from this great Australian vintage. Sourced from the cooler northern part of the Barossa Valley, along with the dense, ripe, soft, supple, dark berry fruit laced with licorice spice you'd expect from this classic warmer shiraz region, there's some lovely restraint and freshness to this example and a relatively moderate 13.5 per cent alcohol. From New World Remuera, Fine Wine Delivery Company.
Domaine Treloar 'Motus' Mourvedre Cotes de Roussillon, France 2012 $36
There's a Kiwi connection to this up-and-coming Southern French domaine, as it's owned by New Zealander Rachel Treloar and her partner, Jonathan Hesford. Their wines have started to turn heads, such as this seductively soft mourvedre with its concentrated dark berry fruit over notes of savoury, spice and stone. From Scenic Cellars, The Hamilton Beer & Wine Company, Maison Vauron, Wine & More, Herne Bay Cellars, Point Wines, Fish Bone.
Spade Oak Vineyard 'Voysey' Gisborne Rosé 2014 $18.50
This appealing tempranillo rosé is verging on a light red, but still offers plenty of pink appeal. Wafts of rose and honeysuckle cross its perfumed palate over juicy strawberry and cherry fruit and a fresh citrus lift. From Liquorland Albany, Primo Vino, Liquorland Gisborne, spadeoak.co.nz
Featured
![The perfect little black dress does exist - here are 17 to shop immediately](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
From office to dinner and wherever the occasion requires, these black dresses do It all.
Read more![A hearty roasted cauliflower and kale salad with tahini dressing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
Enjoy this nourishing bowl as a main meal or as a refreshing side.
Read more![Galaktoboureko, the gorgeous custard pie from Greece](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
Melbourne food writer Ella Mittas shares her favourite dessert of all time.
Read more![Ask the beauty editor: 'Why are my friends getting more Botox than me?'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
Everyone’s getting different amounts of Botox these days. Why does it vary so much?
Read more![Need to eat vegetables? 15 winter salads for hearty and wholesome eating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
Warming and wholesome — these seasonal servings make eating your greens extra delicious.
Read more![Inside the 30kg Louis Vuitton trunk that will carry the Olympic torch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=795)
The fashion house will have an important role in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
Read more