Many things can affect your experience of wine - the company you drink it with of course, but also the temperature of the wine. While some lighter reds are best chilled, for most this emphasises the acidity, tannins and any herbaceousness. Too warm and the alcohol starts to evaporate and the flavours are muddied, but around 18-20degC the wine is likely to be at its best.
BEST VALUE
$25
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Aromas of spice and ripe fruit - cherries and plums, a lively acidity balanced by a rich, silky texture and a hint of savouriness. This resveratrol enhanced wine contains about 30 times as much of the antioxidant than regular wine.
$28
Three and a half stars
Good value
A light, slightly smoky, toasty aroma, with ripe, dark fruit, firm, lively tannins and a savouriness on the aftertaste. Easy and attractive.
$33
Three and a half stars
Average value
A lighter wine with a hint of herbs, red fruit, savoury undertones, underlying oak and a crisp, juicy finish. A simple, attractive wine from Earnscleugh.
$35
Four stars
Good value
From the acclaimed Pegasus Bay winery, this oozes aromas of spicy oak and cherry fruit. It's concentrated and intense with ripe dark undertones, a suggestion of savouriness, toasty oak, and a lively finish. At three years old it's drinking well.
$36.50
Four stars
Good value
Gamay Noir is the grape of Beaujolais. This deeply purple young wine is densely flavoured, oozing earthy wild berries, savoury and mineral undertones with dark fruit lingering on the aftertaste. It's stylish, harmonious and unusual.
$43
Four and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant and silky textured with lively red and dark fruits, concentration and depth on the palate, at three years old it is more developed than the 2011s in this tasting. With supple tannins and savoury undertones lingering on the aftertaste, it's both charming and satisfying.
ANOTHER GLASS
Tiki Koro Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011
$35
Three and a half stars
Average value
With 61% fruit from Gibbston and the rest from Bendigo, this hints of smoky, spicy oak, savoury herbs and funky red fruits. It's concentrated, with a good depth of flavour and a lively, long finish, but is still young and not quite together yet. Give it another year's bottle age.
