Rosé

Rosé commands a lot of shelf space in liquor stores these days – perhaps even more throughout the summer months. The new release 2019 wines from around New Zealand are looking really good, so we’re spoiled for choice. There’s no guide book written about the right colour for rosé so all colours are correct, however the pale onion skin or salmon colours appear to be more popular than the pink, rose and red versions. If the wine looks golden yellow or a brass colour it may be best to avoid it – the colours may indicate faulty or over-aged characters. The best way to find the right one for your palate is to buy examples from different producers and in different colours (or choose from this section!) and when you taste them, close your eyes and decide which is best based on aroma, flavour and texture. The flavours of light red berries and cherry, plum or red.

Flaxmore Rosé 2019 Moutere Nelson

Lovely bouquet of rosé with aromas and flavours of red cherries and red apples, some strawberry and a touch of guava. Crisp, refreshing, fruity and balanced with plenty of engaging texture, acidity and flavour. Chill well for enjoyment over 2020 through Summer 2021.

POINTS: 90

RRP $21

flaxmore.co.nz

Hawkdun Rise Irie’s Blush Rosé 2018 Central Otago

Close your eyes and smell the sweet summer air –a bouquet and palate that reminds me of fleshy juicy red berry fruits, sweet peach and red plum. Crisp cool climate acidity, super fine fruit tannins and persistent refreshing finish. Best enjoyed from today and through 2020.

POINTS: 92

RRP $25

hawkdunrise.co.nz

Toi Toi Sara’s Rosé 2018 Marlborough

From a noticeable onion skin hued appearance comes aromas of apple and red plum, a hint of starwberry, rose and saffron. Dry on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose, ultra fine fruit tannins and bright acid line show off the texture and European style this wine is. Dry on the finish with best drinking from today and through 2021.

POINTS: 92

RRP $14.99

toitoiwines.co.nz

Seifried Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 Nelson

Raspberry and cherry red in colour this vibrant looking Rosé over-delivers on aromas and flavours of raspberry and plum, crushed cherries and cold stone minerality. Crisp refreshing acidity and texture, a core of fruit and lengthy warm fruited finish. Drink now and through 2021.

RRP $18

POINTS: 91

seifried.co.nz

Rockburn Stolen Kiss Rosé 2019

Central Otago Delicate, floral, light red fruit aromas of cherry and red apple with red petals and mineral core. Just dry on the palate with a crisp acid line and flavours that mirror the nose. A light leesy spice note with a lengthy fine finish. Well made, but also very youthful – needs a few months to settle. Drink from late 2019 through 2021.

POINTS: 90

RRP $29

rockburn.co.nz

Palliser Estate Rosé 2019 Martinborough

Strawberries and raspberries, red cherries and yellow plums. A floral note with violet and rose. Tense, youthful, fruity and dry on the palate. Fruit flavours match the nose, a wet stone minerality and fresh acidity for balance and texture. Drink now and through 2021.

POINTS: 91

RRP $26.95

palliser.co.nz

Clos Marguerite Rosé 2018 Marlborough

A lovely bouquet of Rosé with an Old World and New World blend of aromas. Saffron and peach, autumn leaves, quince and strawberry, roses and violets. Crisp, dry and luscious on the palate with textures of silk and cream, flavours of red berries, leading to a lengthy, charming and balanced finish. Avery modern expression packed with flavour and personality. Drink now and through Summer 2021.

POINTS: 92

RRP $29

closmarguerite.co.nz

Selaks The Taste Collection Berries & Cream Rosé 2019

Hawke’s Bay Fresh, ripe, lush and vibrant bouquet of light red berry fruits, rosehip tea and sweet air (just before the rain). Crisp, dry and fruity with flavours of cherry and red berry fruits, cold fruit tea and gentle fruit spice moments. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2020.

POINTS: 89

RRP $21.99

selaks.co.nz

Campo Viejo Rosé 2018

Bright, fresh, fruity and enticing with aromas of red and white strawberry, red melon and pink apple skin. A whisper of fruit spice and fresh flower notes. Dry, crisp, fruity and fresh. Plenty of acidity contrasts the core of red fruit flavours, there’s a whisper of fruit tannins adding texture back palate. Balanced and well made, drink now and through 2021.

POINTS: 89

RRP $18.99

pernod-ricard.com

Madam Sass Pinot Noir Rosé 2019

Central Otago Plump, fruity and fleshy aromas of red cherry and strawberry, sweet rose and pink candy floss. Just dry on the palate with flavours that match the nose. Round almost creamy textures with contrasting acidity, balanced and well made, ready to drink today and through 2020.

POINTS: 88

RRP $24.99

madamsass.co.nz

Waipara Hills Pinot Noir Rosé 2019

North Canterbury Aromas of fresh red cherries, sweet cranberry, red melon and roses. Crisp, light, refreshing and dry with flavours that mirror the nose, a fine satin texture, plenty of acidity and delicate fine chalky tannins. Overall a juicy, fleshy and tasty example. Drink now and through Summer 2021.

POINTS: 91

RRP $19.90

waiparahills.co.nz

Bladen Pinot Rosé 2019 Marlborough

Great bouquet of Rosé with red flowers of rose and frangipane. Fruit aromas of red apple and red cherry, peach tea and some tropical fruit. Just dry, crisp and fruity, refreshing acid line and fine light tannins. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2020.

POINTS: 90 RRP

$25 bladen.co.nz