Winemakers often say they find gewurztraminer hard to sell but those of us who appreciate the fragrance and power of the variety can't understand why, especially when it's so versatile with food, and particularly Asian food.
Riesling is another underrated but versatile variety and often very good value.
BEST VALUE
$19
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
Fragrant with hints of eau de cologne, mint, roses and lychees, this is mouthfilling, off-dry and full of charm. A delicious wine that's surprisingly versatile with food, particularly spicy dishes.
$23
Four stars
Good value
Duffers Creek is in the hills near Bannockburn and this characterful wine hints of lime and manuka honey with a suggestion of lemon marmalade and has a textural, dryish finish.
$23
Four stars
Good value
Initial aromas of citrus flowers lead into flavours hinting of lime and mandarin and a surprisingly weighty and intense palate, with an attractive, crisp dry finish.
$21
Three-and-a-half stars
Average value
A zesty, taut wine with a hint of lime and a steely dry finish with a suggestion of marmalade on the finish. Versatile with food.
$21.50
Three-and-a-half stars
Average value
Delicate aromas lead into a mouthfilling wine with a firm, steely finish.
$25
Three-and-a-half stars
Below average value
Fragrant with floral hints and suggestions of peppermint, this wine comes from a small, 4ha vineyard on Mt Aspiring Rd, Wanaka. It is deceptively delicate on the palate, revealing a firm backbone and textural finish with suggestions of mineral and lime marmalade. Available in some Wanaka restaurants and Wanaka Fine Wines.
ANOTHER GLASS
Drafters Gate Chapter One Central Otago Riesling 2009
$25
Three stars (out of five)
Below average value
Hints of lime and white peach with a delicate charm, a steely backbone and an off-dry finish. The first vintage from a tiny Wanaka vineyard.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
