PHIL PARKER: GOOD FRIENDS, WINE AND WINTER FOOD BECKON

Okay – here we go folks. Winter is upon us and, as I write, the outdoor temperatures are hovering around 12C and we have intermittent grey, gloomy wet days interspersed with winter sun and blue skies. But, hey – wine! Good friends and winter food beckon. Cheers.

Giesen ‘The August’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - $40

Oak barrel fermented and lees aged, this is a crisp and elegant take on Marlborough sav. Medium acids and a deceptive 13% alcohol. Subtle flavours of fresh blackcurrant, gooseberry, green tomato and a hint of fresh cut herbs. Available: glengarrywines.co.nz

Bogle Clarksburg Chenin Blanc 2021 - $30

Another winner from California’s Bogle label. Flavours of spiced apple crumble, pink guava, clover honey, fresh cut pineapple and poached pear. Kind of like a muscular Vouvray chenin blanc. Tangy and complex.

Available: Dhall & Nash, Pt Chev Organic Wines, blackmarket.co.nz

Clayvin Single Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 - $53

Elegant and suitably mature as a six-year-old chardonnay. Medium bodied, biscuity and creamy, with toasted almond, grapefruit, lemon citrus and ripe nectarine. Crisp dry, lengthy, yeasty finish. Available: Glengarry, Caro’s, finewinedelivery.co.nz

Francis Coppola Sofia Monterey County Rosé 2020 - $45

Lightly blush pink in an elegant bottle. Restrained nose with a hint of toffee apple, but opens up with delicate raspberry coulis, strawberry and layers of red berry fruits in a bone-dry style. Available: Dhall & Nash, Fine O Wine stores, blackmarket.co.nz

Clayvin Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 - $57

A premium Giesen brand from low-cropping vines. Soft and savoury, medium bodied style. Tamarillo, black cherry, plum and earthy savoury mushroom with a dash of smoky lapsang souchong tea. Available: Caro’s, thegoodwine.co.nz

Ara Resolute Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 - $35

Vegan and BioGro certified. Lean and elegant. Savoury dominant and dry, with soy and mushroom. Cranberry fruit and liquorice, plum and cigar.

Available: www.arawines.co.nz

Bogle Clarksburg Pinot Noir 2021 - $29

Medium bodied in classic Burgundian style. Dark berries, mocha coffee notes, with a nudge of umami savoury. Medium acids and tannins. Dry finish.

Available: Dhall & Nash, Pt Chev Organic Wines, Fine O Wines, blackmarket.co.nz

Giesen Ridge Block Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 - $56

Multi-awarded. Simply gorgeous. Classic Burgundian, medium bodied style. Ripe, fruity and generous. Hints of cigar, spiced plum, ripe black cherry, black tea, mocha and boysenberry. Available: giesen.co.nz

Francis Coppola Director’s Cut Dry Creek Valley Sonoma

Zinfandel 2019 - $56

Big, bold and fabulous. What one would expect from a Californian zinfandel. Especially from the director of The Godfather. Intense cassis, spiced plum, ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, fruitcake, stewed prune and a lengthy tannic finish. 15.5% alcohol.

Available: Dhall & Nash, regionalwines.co.nz

Francis Coppola Director’s Cut Alexander Valley Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - $56

Full-bodied and ripe at 14.5%. Typical cab flavours of cassis, black olive, juicy black summer berry fruits, Ghana dark chocolate and plum pudding. Lengthy, dusty tannic finish. Available: Dhall & Nash. (PHIL PARKER)  PN www.finewinetours.co.nz, phil.parker@xtra.co.nz www.finewinetours.co.nz