New Zealand Wine Review – St Clair, Marlborough, Chardonnay, 2013

Aroma: Sweet and peachy.

Color: Watery and dull with slightly fluorescent greenish tinge.

Consistency: Very light and watery.

Taste: Acrid, green apples. Top back of mouth. Like hard dry raisins.

Cost: $16

Quality rating: 2

Value rating: 1.5

Final words: Not for me. 

New Zealand Wine Review – Pukeora Estate, Hawke's Bay, Merlot, 2010

Aroma: Spice woody, cedar and vanilla.
Color: Ruby red and very clear.
Consistency: Jagged tors. Moving quickly.
Taste: Medium bodied mouth filler. Blackberries and wood smoke.
Cost: Gift
Quality rating: 3/5
Value rating: 10/10 - a freebie!
Final words: A very nice aged merlot.

New Zealand Wine Review – Esk Valley, Gimlet Graves Hawke's Bay, Merlot Cab Sav Malbec, 2014

Aroma: Plums and winter fruits.
Color: Deep rich opaque purple.
Consistency: Surprisingly light.
Taste: Chemical tobacco. savory spice.
Cost: $NZD15
Quality rating: 5/10
Value rating: 7/10.
Final words: A serious heavy drinking wine.

New Zealand Wine Review - Brancott Estate, Brut Cuvee

Aroma: Ripe pears and dried figs.
Colour: Rich golden yellow with rosy tips.
Bubbles: Fast and furious. Quick to fizzle out.
Taste: Deep flavours. Pears. Figs. Nuts.
Quality rating: 4/10
Price: $13
Value rating: 8/10
Final words:  Surprisingly complex and satisfying at a very good price.