The dark fruits, savoury undertones and the sometimes grippy tannins of bigger reds are ideal with slow-cooked stews and casseroles, and hearty soups that we enjoy this time of year.
BEST UNDER $20
$17.75
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Above average value
Durif is a red grape originally from southern France, and this Australian wine is ripe, rich and spicy with hints of raspberry, dried herbs and tar with a firm finish. Enjoyable, different, and very good value.
$35
Four stars
Average value
In the 1980s Irongate chardonnay and cabernet merlot were leaders in their field and though others have caught up, this remains a stylish wine, fragrant, complex, rich and spicy with blackcurrants and a hint of dark chocolate and a long aftertaste.
There's lots going on and I think it will mature into something quite classy.
$27
Three and a half stars
Average value
A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec, this is dense, with concentrated fruit and a firm grip with a youthful edge that will soften with a little more time in the bottle.
$26
Three stars
Below average value
A blend of merlot and cabernet franc, this is a youthful, concentrated wine, still slightly rough round the edges with a herbal note to the concentrated fruit, spiked with spice and plums. Give it a few more months and it may mellow.
$32
Four stars
Average value
Dense with charming dark berry fruit, a peppery edge, hints of dark chocolate and spice, meaty undertones, complex and textural with fine-grained tannins and a long aftertaste.
Delicious now and will develop with more bottle age.
$38
Four stars
Average value
A wine built to impress with confected cherry aromas, oodles of dark fruit suggesting plums and dark chocolate, savoury undertones, lots of toasty oak and a firm structure. A blend of merlot, malbec and cabernet franc that, like most fine New Zealand reds, could do with another year's bottle age to allow it to mellow.
ANOTHER GLASS
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2010
$32
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value VV
Charming fruit - juicy, ripe plums, dark berries, spicy fruit cake - with savoury undertones, and firm, fine-grained tannins make this an attractive wine.
Soho Ménage Waiheke 2010
$30
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value VV
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, the white-labelled Menage is the little brother of the black-labelled Revolver, described above.
Concentrated fruit suggesting elderberries, brambles and raspberries, with an earthy, herbal undertone and firm tannins.
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Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
