Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough, New Zealand (304469) $29.95
The pleasant nose offers grassy and green apple aromatics while the palate is treated to expressive tropical fruit and citrus flavours in this iconic Kiwi SB. The medium finish has hints of peach with generous herbaceous acidity and a zesty bite to clean it all up. Fine to sip on its own, it would also pair well to mussels steamed in white wine. (VH)

Isabel Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough (554881) $19.95
High density estate vine plantings - equalling lower yields - and hand harvested fruit are two of the keys to this outstanding SB. The pungent nose of nettles and passion fruit are the segue to a medium-bodied zinger that offers a lovely texture, citrus and white peach fruit and a spine of verve that forms the backbone of this well-priced Kiwi. (VH)


Sileni "Cellar Selection" Pinot Noir 2005
Hawke's Bay $17.95
Look for attractive aromas of herbs and sweet fruit, leading to flavours that blend sweet and sour cherry, red berries and red plum, all accented with spice and herbs. Very well balanced, this offers light tannins and pairs well with grilled salmon. (RP)

Trumpour's Mill Cabernet/Merlot 2004
VQA Ontario $16.95
A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot. Beguiling aromas of spiced black plum, savoury and licorice form the segue to a rich and muscular red. Flavours include savoury spice and red cherry. The well balanced finish and terrific price point help make this an attractive buy. (VH)

Babich Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough $19.95
A quite classy New Zealand Pinot Noir, with a fairly intense core of sweet and tart cherry accented with spicy and herbal notes. It's medium weight with light tannins and is a versatile food wine. You can happily pair this with rich vegetarian (mushroom-prominent) dishes, grilled lamb chops, or seared tuna. (RP)

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough $17.95
A very powerful nose of citrus, nettles and minerality sets up this mouth-watering Kiwi. The leesy passion fruit and gooseberry flavours fairly burst upon the palate. The texture is surprisingly smooth, given its lively tanginess, pointing to almost perfect balance between the lively acidity and beautifully ripened and meticulously handled fruit. It finishes with a flavourful burst of pink grapefruit. Very well priced. (VH)


Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough $27.95
Hand picking the ripe fruit, a short cold soak, wild yeast fermentation and deft handling of oak set this up for success. From the lifted nose of spicy plums to the luxurious finish of tarry black currant, this medium-bodied Pinot offers elegance and charm. The flavours of plum and cranberry are generous, a portend of cellaring potential to 2010. (VH)

Tohu Unoaked Chardonnay 2005
Marlborough $15.95
Tohu is a Maori-owned winery producing exceptional wines. This one is about gorgeous texture plus tropical fruit flavours of peach and nectarine complemented by Granny Smith apple. Light to medium-bodied on the palate, it relies on ripe fruit and delicate balance to produce a juicy mouthful of fresh fruit flavours. Well priced for a wine of this character. (VH)


Tohu Pinot Noir 2004
Marlborough $29.95
The delicate nose gives up currant and earthy aromas. Soft and mellow sweet berry fruit wash over the palate alongside ripe tannin and a splash of verve that are all in perfect harmony. It saves its best for last with a lengthy, luxurious finish of currants and savoury spice. The price to quality balance is tipped in your favour. (VH)

Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Marlborough $18.95
This is one of those "pure passion fruit" Sauvignon Blancs. Passion fruit is the overwhelming aroma and it dominates the flavours as well, although other tropical fruit play supporting roles. (If you haven't tasted passion fruit, you can sometimes buy them at supermarkets: they're oval, purple, and the skin should be slightly wrinkled.) It's well balanced with just the right acidity to make this a good sipping wine and a successful partner to food. Try it with ceviche. (RP)

Babich 'The Patriarch' 2002
Hawke's Bay $39.95
From the famous 'Gimblett Gravels' area of Hawke's Bay, this is superb. Meticulous fruit selection through hand picking and sorting plus 17 months in oak have fashioned a gorgeously textured red blend in perfect balance. Savoury spice and black berry fruit aromas give way to a juicy mouthful of ripe cherry, black licorice and spicy black plum flavours. The finish is fruit forward, tangy, elegant and lengthy. Drink now to 2012. (VH)

Konrad Pinot Noir
Marlborough $29.95
This starts with attractive aromas of sweet dark fruit with an herbal overlay, then moves to what's becoming an identifiable New Zealand style of Pinot Noir: layered fruit with strong herbal notes cutting through the fruit sweetness. This is an excellent partner to smoked duck breast. (RP)