I’ve had such a great time trying:

 

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015

This glorious vintage wine is medium bodied  with fruit flavours, and herbs in there somewhere. It put me in mind of a burgundy I had in France on a warm summer day, but this I think has the edge on that, with its richness of dark cherry, and spices. Just my sort of wine. I loved it.

Sir George Fistonich, founder and owner of Villa Maria says, ‘A leader in sustainability, innovation and quality, our family winery is recognised as an icon in the New Zealand wine industry.’ Tastes good too.

Sir George suggests it should be drunk with game meats or cheese.

RRP: £13.35 | Stockists: The Co-op, Morrison’s, Asda, Hailsham Cellars, Vino Wines, Temple Wines, Bin 21, Famous Wines, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk

 

But you must also try:

Villa Maria Private Bin Shiraz- Hawkes Bay 2014.

 Shiraz is always a good bet for our household. Up to now I’ve preferred the Australian’s Shiraz but this is excellent, and just as good. It’s such a friendly accessible wine, and has an intensity of flavour, fruity, with a hint of pepper I thought. Just that little bit of – not exactly bite but – well, peppery. And a lovely deep colour. I wonder if this is because the grape tends to respond well to a free draining soil?

A great after taste, very smooth, full of flavour, too moorish, quite frankly. Gulp gulp. Try it with red meats, game and cheeses.

RRP: £13.35| Stockists: Wine Rack, Hailsham Cellars, Dylan’s Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk‘