With the warm weather we usually get in February, a well chilled rosé is an ideal drink with a long lunch or on a relaxing evening. It's easy and unchallenging - just the thing for unwinding with.
BEST VALUE
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
Pretty pale pink, fragrant with hints of strawberries and spice, juicy red fruit and a crisp, lingering finish, this is an attractive, sweetish wine.
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
The pale blush pink of this wine belies its power. It's ebullient, bursting with floral aromas and zesty with oodles of sweet summer and tropical fruit.
Three stars (out of five)
Average value
Made from Marlborough pinot noir, this has a light aroma with a suggestion of sweet plums and a firmish finish.
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
Peony pink, fragrant and textural with hints of strawberries and red cherries, and a long, dryish, satisfying finish.
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
Salmon pink, oozing cherries and strawberries, with a slightly savoury undertone and an off-dry finish.
Four stars (out of five)
Average value
An attractive dark pink and made from the Italian variety montepulciano, this has savory undertones with a hint of caramel, red fruits and a bright, dryish finish. A good food wine.
ANOTHER GLASS
• Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir Rosé 2011, $19
Three stars (out of five)
Below average value
Pink and fragrantly floral with strawberry and cherry overtones, mouthfilling but with a hot finish.
• Spy Valley Rosé 2011, $23
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
Pale and lightly fragrant with hints of strawberries and redcurrants, this has more texture than most rosés because a portion was barrel fermented. It has a slightly sweet but crisp finish.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
