Wine from Ata Rangi, Croft, Margrain, Martinborough Vineyard, Nga Waka, Palliser Estate and Te Kairanga. 13.5% alc. Winemaker: Paul Mason. Bright, light straw-yellow colour, light on rim. The bouquet is full in volume and presence, with subtle, brooding aromas of stonefruits and steely minerals that are complexed by buttery MLF nuances and underlying nutty, biscuit oak. Dry and full-bodied, stonefruit and citrus flavours are allied to mealy, nutty oak notes, the flavours framed in a robust and full structure, the solid mouthfeel underlined by brisk, racy acidity. This is fresh and lively, with an underlying power and drive, the palate showing a little alcohol warmth on the finish. This is a full-bodied, powerful Chardonnay with plenty of crisp acidity that needs some time to come together. Match with grilled, pan-fried or roasted seafood, poultry or pork dishes over the next 5-6+ years. (1.5 L) 18.0/20 Jul 2012 RRP $495.00, part of a set of 4 magnums

Wine from Alexia, Matahiwi and Wycroft. 13.5% alc. Winemaker: Jane Cooper. Even ruby-red colour with light purple hues, youthful in appearance. Elegantly tight and very intense aromas of dark cherry and berry fruits infused with aromas of dark herbs, mint and fennel are complexed by oak spices and resinous notes on the nose. Medium bodied, lush red cherry and berry flavours show with oaks spices and minty elements and are enlivened by racy acidity. The tannins are fine-grained and build to provide a grainy firmness to the texture, carrying raspberry and fresh herb notes on a long finish. This is an elegantly proportioned Pinot Noir with intense red cherry fruitiness, and a firm, but racy mouthfeel. Match with tuna, or spicy duck dishes over the next 5-6+ years. (1.5 L) 17.5/20 Jul 2012 RRP $495.00, part of a set of 4 magnums

Wine from Borthwick Vineyard, Fairmont Estate, Gladstone Vineyard and Urlar. 13.5% alc. Winemaker: Christine Kernohan. Light ruby-red colour with purple hues, pale on rim. This has a softly open and accessible nose, the aromas of red berry and plums intermingle with lifted red florals showing some detail and attractive nuances. Medium-bodied, the palate is open and up-front with subtly mouthfilling flavours of dark red berry fruits and red plums. There is sweetness and attractive floral aromatic characters that provide bright interest and a quiet energy. Discreet acidity and supple tannin extraction combine with excellent balance, and the wine flows seamlessly and harmoniously to a moderately sustained finish. This accessible and harmonious Pinot Noir is attractively balanced for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Match with Asian and Mediterranean fare. (1.5 L) 17.5+/20 Jul 2012 RRP $495.00, part of a set of 4 magnums

Wine from Big Sky, Cobblestone, Escarpment, Julicher, Te Hera and Redbank. 13.5% alc. Winemaker: Larry McKenna. Full, light ruby-red colour with some purple hues. This is full, solid and densely packed on the nose with aromas of dark red plum and berry fruit, unfolding layers of dark herbs, earth, liquorice and violetty florals. Medium-full bodied, the palate is robustly structured with grainy tannin extraction and full of dark berry, spice and plum flavours. The acidity is in balance, providing good tension and adds to the fruit sweetness. A chunky wine with good presence, more flavour detail and nuances emerge in the glass and linger on the firm, dry finish. This is a rich, full and solidly textured Pinot Noir with plenty of interest. Serve with roasted lamb and beef, or with hard cheeses over the next 6-8+ years. (1.5 L) 18.0+/20 Jul 2012 RRP $495.00, part of a set of 4 magnums