2006 Amisfield Rocky Knoll Pinot Noir $110

Yes it’s pricey, but if you’re looking for a treat, try this deliciously soft, intensely delicious new pinot noir from New Zealand’s deep south. Made by winemaker Jeff Sinnott from Amisfield winery in the Cromwell Basin, this is a fantastically tasty newcomer to the Kiwi pinot noir scene.

FOOD MATCH: Slow roast duck with all the trimmings.

2006 Thornbury Pinot Noir Central Otago $29-30

There’s no shortage of good Central Otago pinot noirs but few of them ever make it under the $30 price barrier. This new release is light, soft and fresh. Like lots of young New Zealand pinot noirs, it’s a medium-bodied wine and tastes best with food.

FOOD MATCH: Homemade steak and kidney pie.

2005 Green Point Heathcote Shiraz $31

Tasted in May 2008 and from one of Australia’s most promising shiraz regions, this is a big, impressive, full-bodied shiraz with a lot more going for it than simple sweet fruit power. If you’re looking for an Australian red with savoury flavours to team up with a mid-winter, rare-roasted beef or lamb, this is it.

FOOD MATCH: Rare roast beef with blackberry jelly.

2007 Vidal East Coast Viognier $19-20

Viognier is touted as the next big thing in New Zealand white wine, but don’t believe the hype. The grape, viognier, is destined to remain a curiosity made for interest and pleasure but not on a mass scale. This is a soft, dry white; lovely with antipasto.

FOOD MATCH: Salted pistachios.

2007 La Mura Grillo Sicilia $14-16

Talk about fantastic value for money. This dry, almost salty-tasting, Sicilian white wine instantly conjures up great seafood for me – and since it’s still Bluff oyster season in New Zealand, enjoy your next batch with this lovely southern European white wine. Buy at

specialist wine stores or Prodotti d’Italia (09) 276 7140.

FOOD MATCH: Bluff oysters.

2004 Canaletto Primitivo $19–20

A consistent winner in this wine guide for good reason. It is a big southern Italian red, driven more by savoury flavours than the characteristic sweet fruitiness of most shiraz – that said, it will garner a fan club, easily. Buy at wine stores or for stockists contact Prodotti d’Italia (09) 276 7140.

FOOD MATCH: Mushroom risotto.