Pegasus Bay Vergence White, North Canterbury
Here’s Kiwi innovation at its finest: a multi-vintage, non-traditional blend of several grape varieties. Aged Sémillon from 35-year-old vines meets Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay – and tiny dashes of Muscat and Gewürztraminer. Rich and crisp in equal measure, it’s a multi-layered drinking experience. Citrus, orange blossom, passion fruit and melon notes mingle with vanilla and rose.
'Burkes Hill' Riesling, Eden Valley
Hailing from one of Australia’s most celebrated Riesling regions, this is a collaboration between Rob Gibson and legendary white-winemaker Andrew Wigan. Together they share over 80 years of winemaking experience in the Barossa, and that skill shows here. Aromas of grapefruit and orange blossom lead into zesty flavours of lemon and lime, balanced with a mineral backbone. Fresh and delicious.
'John Martin' Chardonnay, Martinborough
A little bit of Burgundy brought to the cool-climate Martinborough region of New Zealand, this 100% Chardonnay is refined and fragrant, with notes of yellow stone fruit, minerals and nuts. Aged in premium French oak, it’s crafted from the very best parcels of grapes from Te Kairanga’s Home vineyard and fermented with wild yeast.
'Diggers Law' Pinot Noir, Central Otago
Central Otago is famed for Pinot Noir, and you don’t need more than a few sips of this wine to understand why. Hand-picked grapes from three premium sites come together in a medley of sun-warmed cherry, plum, cinnamon and clove flavours. Full and vibrant, with a concentrated fruit core and silky tannins, this is a red that will stand up gorgeously to a range of different dishes.
'Ned & Henry's' Shiraz, Barossa Valley
What’s an Australasian Wine Club case without a Barossa Shiraz? This example hails from talented winemaker Dean Hewitson, known for making wines with fine fruit expression and balance. Matured in French oak barriques for 15 months, it is full-bodied yet deliciously drinkable, with berry and oak spice character. Crack it open now and enjoy all the fresh vibrancy, or – if you can resist – cellar it for another decade to develop even more complexity.
'Eastern Ranges' Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley
Every vintage, the team at Jim Barry find a special patch of grapes that really reflects the terroir it comes from, and creates a limited-release bottling. This aged Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from older vines at their Lodge Hill property, and shows the hallmark earthy characteristics of Clare Valley with its elegant, fine tannins and vibrant fruit flavours. Crack it open and savour those notes of hot-cross-bun dough, black-fruit compote, cedar and leather.
