Black Ridge near Alexandra, is undergoing a renaissance with new owners Joss Purbrick and Belinda Green. One of the oldest vineyards in Central, it is known for its old-vine riesling and gewurztraminer as well as its pinot noir. Watch out for a new look and new developments as future vintages of wine come on stream.
BEST VALUE
$23
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
From Philippa Shepherd's biodynamic Lowburn vineyard comes this delicious off-dry riesling oozing lime, mandarin and mineral, with a hint of marmalade and a fresh, balanced finish.
Domainerewa.com
$19
Three stars
Average value
A trendy low-alcohol (9%) wine with suggestions of lime flowers and ripe apple but light flavours with a stiletto of acidity encased in a lingering sweetness on the finish - a sweet-sour wine.
saintclair.co.nz
$20
Four stars
Good vlaue
Oozing tangy suggestions of lime and orange marmalade and citrus zest, this mouth-filling wine is fresh and lively, off-dry but with a crisp, well-balanced finish.
maindivide.com
$18
Three and a half stars
Good value
Zesty, light in the mouth, with hints of apple and citrus and suggestions of buttered toast and marmalade, this opens out like a peacock's tail on the aftertaste.
$23
Three and a half stars
Average value
A Black Ridge classic - fragrant, floral and mouth-filling, with a silky, oily texture, lots of fruit flavour and a firm, fresh finish.
$27
Four stars
Average value
Fresh and zingy with intense lime and flowers, refreshing fruit and a steely backbone of acidity, this is a precise, stylish wine, challenging by itself but delicious with food: cheese, simply cooked fish with a squeeze of lemon. It will develop with bottle age.
craggyrange.com
