Herewith, a completely random selection from this week's samplings:Grove Mill 'High Ground' Marlborough Riesling 2009
We picked this one up at Grove Mill winery a month or so back - on a trip to Marlborough.
Around $NZ22 bottle - this is one Riesling that stood out in our whistle stop tour of NZ's largest wine region (over 60% of our grapes produced there). Colour - clear and bright, pale green/gold. Aromas - Lime cordial, minerals, citrus, a hint of petrol. Palate - honey, lime juice, crisp apple. Juuuuust off-dry, with medium weight palate and a lengthy citric finish.
Villa Maria 'Private Bin' Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 Again - about $NZ22.
Confusingly, Villa Maria's entry level range has been named the Private Bin - which would normally connote some elevated status in the portfolio. But no, Private Bin is the least expensive in the range - with 'Villa Maria' standard label (around $NZ30) being the next step, and then the top tier Reserve range of exquisite wines but at a price to match e.g. about $NZ70 bottle.
Yennyhoo - entry level is not a bad thing in the case of VM's consistent winemaking. This is obviously not going to be a blockbuster grunty Central Otago P Noir at the twenty dollar mark, but just the same, it's a very approachable and good value red.
Colour - light garnet red, clear and bright. Aromas - earthy and spicy. Red berry fruits.
Palate - raspberry, black cherry, spice, toasted oak, mushrooms and truffles. Medium to light palate weight, clean finish.
Phil runs the best wine tours in the Universe at Fine Wine & Food Tours
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