Wines by price: between $20 and $30
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Clearview Merlot Malbec 2009 NZD $21.95
An early-drinking Bordeaux-style red from Tim Turvey at Te Awanga, this is 76% Merlot, 18% Malbec and 6% Cabernet Franc fermented to 13.5% alc and aged 15 months in new and 1 y.o. French and American oak casks. A lively, fruit-driven, medium bodied wine, it has warm blackberry, plum and leathery spice flavours that will suit pasta, lamb, beef and venison. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years.Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. -
Pirineos Rosé 2010 NZD $21.95
This is what I and many others think is 'The Perfect Rose'. It reminds me of cool satin sheets on a sunny Sunday morning. Creamy strawberry flavours, slightly pink with aromas of summer blossoms. A silky but full, well structured taste with waves of refreshing summer berry fruit flavours. An exceptionally long finish for a rosé, more reminiscent of a quality red wine. -
Corazon Hawkes Bay Syrah 2008 NZD $21.95
One of only 8 Syrahs to get a Gold Medal at the recent Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. All of the others are $35+ including some of the big names like Saint Clair and the Trinity Hill Homage at $120 a bottle. Even before this great result for this wine, made by West Auckland winemaker Shayne Cox, it had already gathered a strong following here at La Cantina. Syrah is Shayne's favourite wine to make, and his efforts really show in this wine with an amazing array of flavours going on. Very fruit driven, rich and powerful with dark berry fruits, spice and leather with a long and very memorable finish. This is a steal at $21.95. Syrah loves air - decant before drinking to allow the flavours to open up. Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. -
Stafford Rd Chardonnay 2008
NZD $21.95
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Scanavino Italian Prosecco NZD $21.95
A delicate, soft and dry prosecco for everyday drinking. Great for parties or sipping over a good seafood salad. -
All That Jazz Marlborough Chardonnay NZD $22.95
Music, art and wine are all aspects of our lives that are very subjective. There is no doubting however that life is enriched by all three. From the free expression of an artist, the creative harmony of the musician and the way a wine can be the canvas to express its origin. The wines are made by Mike Eaton from Terravin Wines in Marlborough who wants to quench both the soul and ones thirst. Aromas of soft ripe peaches, pears and some nutty complexity from aging in oak. A subtle hint of spice and honey makes the wine has a lovely softness that finishes on the palate with a lingering finish. -
Peregrine Pinot Gris 2010 NZD $22.95
The 2010 Peregrine Pinot Gris overflows with ripe pear, peach, mango, grapefruit and has an underlying steely minerality. It is well balanced and mouth filling with great persistence. Lovely drinking now, this wine will continue to develop over the next few years. -
Mas Oliver Cava Brut NZD $22.95
Spanish Cava, a sparking wine which is made in exactly the same way as Champagne, has fully established its identity in markets abroad in the last thirty years yet specialized bodegas - or Cava houses - have been producing on a commercial scale since the end of the 19th century. Cava’s name derives from the Spanish word for an underground cellar. Today Cava is second only to Champagne in world sales of sparkling wine. This Cava will surprise you. Incredibly clean, crisp and fresh, you'll think your drinking Champagne. 4 Stars Bob Campbell. "Fruity, bone dry Cava with citrus, floral and nutty yeast autolysis characters. An ethereal texture and lengthy finish. Delicate wine with subtle power." -
Arahura Malbec 2004 NZD $22.95
Former judge Ken Mason and his wife Diane, owners of Arahura Vineyard, were winemaking pioneers in the hills of the Clevedon district, south of Auckland. They planted their first vines in 1991 and their Malbec is well regarded. Malbec from Clevedon you say? Sounds strange but the wine is stunning. Michael Cooper describes it as “rich, vibrant and supple”. The 2004 vintage has to be one of their best. I've grabbed their last few dozen which has been cellared to perfection and is drinking well right now. I'm amazed a wine of this age and quality is still available. A big, rich and ripe wine with complex black olive flavours that linger on the palate. You could easily pay twice as much or more from one of the more well know brands for a wine of this quality. That's what I like about the smaller wineries. They can be so much more interesting and you don't have to pay the earth. -
Corazon Chardonnay 2010 NZD $23.95
The fruit for this wine is sourced from Kumeu in West Auckland where, by tasting this wine you will certainly agree the quality of the wines from this part of the country have improved immensely. Very full flavours of ripe stone fruit and butterscotch with vanilla. Rich and clean and will continue to improve in the bottle for another 2-3 years. Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. -
Beresford McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 NZD $24.95
From the very highly regarded 2007 vintage this wine shows classic Cabernet mint and cassis on the nose with evident, cedary oak. Densely textured and with outstanding structure there is masses of flavour on the palate which shows concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry and spicy oak and a rich powerful finish. Top class warm climate Cabernet! -
Kairos Wild Ferment Waipara Dry Riesling 2010 NZD $24.95
If everyone made Riesling like this, it would certainly revive the category. From Master of Wine, Steve Bennett MW, this new release must be regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest dry Rieslings. From low yielding fruit grown on an exceptional gravelly single vineyard in Waipara, hand harvested then very gently pressed, resulting in impressive delicacy and finesse. Long, slow fermention with natural indigenous yeasts, followed by lees ageing adds to the complexity, richness and depth of this wine, almost unparalleled in the world of kiwi Riesling. Big, bold characterful wine, this concentrated and complex dry Riesling is extremely seductive. Very classy with layers of ripe citrus, honey and spice. Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. -
Beresford McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007 NZD $24.95
A deep dark red with touches of purple. Lifted aromas of pepper, spice, dark berries, tar and anise. The palate is packed with juicy fruits, luscious dark berries with intriguing spice, clove, cigarbox, green and black pepper and well balanced oak. Yummy shiraz, well-made and finely balanced. -
Black Estate Omihi Riesling 2010 NZD $24.95
Brilliant straw-yellow colour with light green-gold hues, this has a soft, voluminous nose with gentle aromas of citrus fruits, peaches and apricots. Medium-dry to taste, this has rich, lush flavours of limes, apricots and yellow florals on a full, open palate. The wine finishes dry and cleanly. A bright, forward Riesling that will be an attractive aperitif wine over the next 3-4 years. -
Corazon Hawkes Bay Merlot 2010 NZD $24.95
2010 was a great vintage around the country. This Merlot was harvested from a low cropping, free draining vineyard which influences the concentrated flavours of this wine. Hand-crafted using traditional European winemaking techniques then matured in quality oak. Rich and ripe this wine displays a wonderful aroma of cassis, cedar and spice. Concentrated berry fruits and soft lingering tannins fill the palate. Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. -
Corazon Little Sweet One 2010 NZD $24.95
Perfect harvest conditions allowed the creation of this unique late harvest wine. Fragrant honeycomb white peach and citrus zest aromas fill the glass. Luscious and finely balanced sweetness with natural acidity make it a perfect with fruit based desserts and cheeses. 375ml. 87 points 4 Stars – Bob Campbell -
Henri Ehrhart Pinot Gris 2010 NZD $26.95
From Alsace, France, this is the best value French white I've tried in a long time. Opulent & well-structured. Perfect with white meat, poultry and small game. -
Kairos Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 NZD $28.50
The finest Pinot Gris ever made in this country - Paul Tudor, Master of Wine Consensus is growing among media, trade and wine lovers that this Pinot Gris from low yields, wild ferment and nine months ageing in seasoned French barriques is NZ’s best.Buy 'Passion and Patience - A Wine Story' on DVD to see how a hand-crafted wine like this is is made. Paul Tudor says...“Finally, there is a new hope for Pinot Gris in this country, and it is called Kairos. Finally, somebody has made a Pinot Gris that boldly goes in a new direction. Finally, someone has crafted a food friendly, stylish and potentially age-worthy wine from this awkward variety. Without question, this is the finest Pinot Gris ever made in this country ” Paul Tudor MWJoelle Thomson, the Dominion Post says...“This is my top NZ Pinot Gris. This wine really does break fresh ground for New Zealand pinot gris. Master of Wine Stephen Bennett has crafted this fantastic style departure for pinot gris, giving it surprising character and full body.” -
Manga del Brujo 2008 - Amazing New Vintage NZD $29.95
From Calatayud, a huge wine that is made from 65% Garnacha and blended with Shira and Tempranillo. The Garnacha grapes are from vines that are over 100 years old giving it a deep purple colour with aromas of black fruits, cracked pepper, smoke & toast which lead to the palate. Full bodied with firm tannins with a long, smoky and toasty finish. Should be twice the price. -
Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc NZD $29.95
For the true Sauvignon Blanc connoisseur. With most vintages, fruit from some vintage sites stand out for their individuality and special expression of Sauvignon. This is sourced from the Cowley Vineyard with remarkable complexity and structure. Layers of ripe tropical fruit, melon, guava and mineral citrus - vibrant and fresh. A unique reflection of Marlborough Southern Valley terroir. -
Black Estate Chardonnay 2010 NZD $29.95
90/100 from Bob Campbell who writes "Rich and creamy Chardonnay with a mix of peach/nectarine and citrus plus nut, mealy savoury characters. Intense and complex Chardonnay with power. -
Johannesof Gewurztraminer 2010 NZD $29.95
This has to be one of New Zealand's most highly awarded Gewurztraminers. Luscious medium style with perfumed aroma and flavour of roses, Turkish delight and lychees. Perfect with Asian spicy food and tasty cheeses. Drink now or until 2014. -
Willows Barossa Shiraz 2008 - New Vintage NZD
$33.95$29.95If you think Grant Burge, Elderton, Penfolds or the like are one of the best when it comes to your favourite Barossa Shiraz, then this wine is certainly for you. White chocolate, blackberries, cassis, peppery, full-bodied, dense, fruit forward and beautifully complex. I've had many people say this is their pick for red wine of the year. Dozens and dozens of this were sold with many taking two or three cases. Drinking very well now but make sure you decant this for a good hour to make the flavours really open up. One of the best you'll see from the Barossa.
How to buy
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Case Price applies to 12 or more of the same wine.
Delivery
La Cantina delivers anywhere in New Zealand. Our delivery rates are:
- Auckland: $3.95 per case
- Rest of North Island: $7.95 per case
- South Island: $9.95 per case
Rural delivery fee $3.50
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Guarantee
I personally select and taste every wine I recommend ~ if you don't like it, please send it back to me and I will either replace it with something more suitable to your taste or issue you a full refund.
Ben Naden