A world away from your average New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Crest is more at home amongst ripe, toasty Bordeaux Blanc. The 2023 Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc comprises 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillon and 1% Sauvignon Gris. Vibrant and concentrated with Golden Delicious apples, white pepper, shaved fennel and plenty of preserved citrus rind. Grip and shape on the palate, with great tension between the ripe fruit and brisk acidity. Long and saline through the finish.

Bullnose 2022 is vibrant and perfumed, with crushed rocks and rose petals, pomegranate, raspberry and black olive tapenade on the nose. The palate is silky with more dark plum and raspberry, and lots of dried herb complexity. The tannins are chalky and supple. It finishes long and fine. A classic iteration of this benchmark New World Syrah.

Elston Chardonay 2023 overflows with white pineapple and green apple, roasted hazelnut and white flowers. On the palate an impressive purity and power of fruit adding a vibrant, juicy acidity, coupled with balance and focus. With exceptional length, freshness, purity, and a complex interplay of fruit and savoury notes, Elston Chardonay ’23 is expressive and moreish – a remarkable embodiment of its terroir that exemplifies the quintessential qualities of this classic Hawke’s Bay chardonnay.

Awatea is a baby Coleraine, with more than a passing nod to Bordeaux in its restraint and medium-bodied, savoury style. The 2023 Awatea Cabernets Merlot comprises 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Bramble and cassis, with iodine, graphite, sweet tobacco and tarragon on the nose. Similar on the palate the wine is savory, structural, spicy and chewy, with fine, agile tannins and some chocolate richness. Magnificent and tremendous value.

The 6th iteration of Bollinger’s PN series – a spotlight on Pinot Noir – is predominantly 2020 base with reserve wines coming from 2019 and 2008/2012 (aged in magnum). The finest iteration of the PN series to date, this opens with aromas of white peach, plum, and mirabelle. Behind this comes red currant fruit and a hint of fresh mango. There is a real sense of precision, depth of flavour and saline energy to this wine. An irresistible elegance bubbles from the glass with a lacy feel to the mousse on the palate. Long, mineral and saline on the finish. Excellent.

Champagne Bollinger’s newest single vineyard rarity is out of this world in 2015. On the nose there is an incredible depth, layers of orange blossom, quince and golden raisins.The palate has a remarkable texture, vibrant and energetic with refreshing salinity, a mastery of limestone and chalk soils. Refined and precise, this could be the best edition of La Côte aux Enfants Champagne yet!

Expect crisp citrus, green apple and a touch of stone fruit on the nose. Pithy, racy lemon and lightly honeyed notes on the palate, all underpinned by a fine, chalky backbone and a beautifully persistent mousse. There’s a creamy, biscuity depth from the five and a half years on lees, but it’s the elegance and freshness that really stand out. The finish is long and deliciously saline.

The 2010 Potensac is a smoky, refined claret, with plenty of complexity, supple tannins, and lovely lift on the finish. This is just so delicious - a wine that shows off Bordeaux’s 2010s beautifully.

This Syrah comes from old vines grown on the steep slopes in the north of the long, narrow St Joseph appellation, near the domaine in Condrieu. It shows notes of violets, dark cherry fruit with a little wild herb note. It has brightness and clarity on the palate with fresh hedgerow fruit with a twist of licorice.

A true benchmark in the world of Condrieu, it is made from old vines approaching 70 years old. It marries together intensity and freshness with impeccable balance - apricot, honeysuckle, orange peel and white flowers show real detail on the palate with a wave of freshness and salinity that comes behind and refreshes the finish. Superb this year.