This batch of reds turned up a couple of affordable wines for barbecues and end-of-year parties, and some top-flight wines for special occasions or gifts.
(about $15)
A big wine with hints of blackcurrants, mint and boysenberries with a background of oak and a firm finish that steers it away from jamminess.
Just the thing for a barbecue.
Three stars (out of five)
Good value
(about $20)
Lots of ripe blackberries with a hint of dried herbs, undertones of spice, chocolate and smoky oak with a firm finish, balance and lingering aftertaste.
A versatile red to match with nibbles or red meat.
Three stars (out of five)
Good value
(about$40)
My favourite of the recent Elspeth reds. A stylish wine, rich and mellow, hinting of cigar box, prunes, chocolate raisins and dark berries supported by spicy oak.
It's mouthfilling with a firm, but supple grip and a long rich aftertaste.
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
(about $45)
Fragrant with hints of spice and cedar, this wine at four years old is mellow and delicious, with complex flavours and lovely textures to linger over.
It's drinking well now, but will continue to develop for another five to eight years.
Five stars (out of five)
Average value
(about $65)
A big, showy wine oozing concentrated chocolatey berry fruit, with oodles of toasty, spicy oak and a firm grip.
A dense young wine that is delicious now, and promising for the future.
Four stars (out of five)
Poor value
(about $80)
A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from Hawkes Bay, this powerful, concentrated wine oozes dense, dark spicy black berry fruit, backed by stylish oak and finishes with a firm grip, a bit like an iron fist in a fleecy glove.
A stylish, showy wine for that special gift.
Four stars (out of five)
Poor value
