What I think should be on your festive table this year (or on your Santa List!)
We’re already one week deep into December! I don’t think I’ve ever written the annual ‘Christmas Cracker’ so late in the year. This is my list of what could be in your shopping basket and on the table for the summer break. These will all be New Zealand wines and I’ve not picked anything that will blow the budget, but I have been looking back at the wines that I’ve tasted in 2024 – with as tight a budget as I can think of. There will be a separate list coming on WineFolio where I talk about the very best wines that have crossed my path this year, but for now we’re not trying to break the credit card. Read on.
With a little planning, or even a bit of advice from the internet (ahem) your holiday lineup of wines could be looking as amazing as your Christmas jumper or your neighbours Xmas lights. Some of these wines might be good on the table on the 25th alongside the turkey; or for taking over to your best mate’s bach whilst he’s away in the South of France. And one or two should definitely be on your Santa list – whether you’ve been naughty or nice.
So, lets’ start with those bubbles. It’s vital to have something sparkling at Christmas. It’s not always the easiest choice to make, but here are a couple of ideas for you.
#1 No.1 Méthode Traditionelle Cuvée. Reviewed at the end of November, I gave this NZ Méthode a 94/100 score. “The bouquet has a burst of yeasty autolysis and is sufficiently complex that you’d think it came from Champagne. A really fine example of New Zealand (and Marlborough) sparkling”. $40-ish
#2 Balvonie Méthode Traditionelle Prosecco 2023 Not quite as crazy as you’d think – a Prosecco from Marlborough, and not only that, but it is vintage and Méthode! “Brimming with energy and crisp, clean flavours” I gave it 92/100 less than a week ago. $35
Rosé is a great choice for the Christmas table. All of the wines in the next four positions on the list are from Top 10 tastings that I hosted this year. Three whites, with a pink thrown in the mix.
#3 Askerne Sérieux Rosé We did a Top 10 tasting of rosé earlier this year, and the winner of that tasting costs was this wine.“A bright, taut, dry style, but with creamy texture adding balance – subtle with a dry, long finish” $25
#4 Tohu Pinot Gris 2023. I also hosted a Top 10 Tasting of Pinot Gris – in April. This wasn’t the winner but it is “Undeniably juicy and ripe, but with that note of ‘good, green bitters’ and phenolics that we like. Generous (with good weight) and plush, but spicy and dry. well under $20
#5 Ahi Ka Blackmore Sauvignon Blanc 2024 I have a lot of time for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – and this was one of the best this year. “Vibrant and energetic, with a highline of acidity that borders on saline”.under $25
#6 Lake Chalice ‘The Raptor’ Chardonnay 2022 is the sibling wine to the Sauvignon Blanc that won the Top 10 Tasting of that varietal. “A bold, in-your-face style, with great juice and bright acidity”. I listed a few ‘Best Buy’ wines after the Top 10 list this time – under the $25 mark.
#7 Bryterlater ‘Svelte’ Riesling 2023 We critics love riesling! It’s hard to sell it though apparently. “The palate is tightly structured and basically dry, but there is a ripe fruit sweetness that adds contrast and balance” This was 94/100 in June. $33-ish
Great red wines at lower price points can be a problem to recommend; but looking at the Gold Medal winners from the shows and my own tastings this year, it certainly feels like there is very good wine at sharp prices if you buy carefully. I have no problem recommending these last three…
#8 Church Road ‘McDonald Series’ Merlot 2021 Winning the Trophy for ‘Champion Merlot & Predominant Blends’ at the New Zealand International Wine Show this year – this label constantly gives bang for your buck. $30 & under
#9 St Clair ‘Pioneer Block 17’ Cabernet Merlot 2021 is from this very consistent Marlborough producer but with fruit grown in the Gimblett Gravels sub-district of Hawke’s Bay where they have vineyards. A well-balanced spine of tannin, oak and acidity. $35
#10 Paritua Stone Paddock Scarlet 2019 A delicious ‘Bordeaux Blend’ wine that didn’t quite make the Top 10 list in the June Tasting. A smoky, characterful red led by Cabernet Franc – from an excellent vintage. under $25
