From a single vineyard in the Omaka Valley, Marlborough. A pale gold, tinged with green in the glass. Bold and bright on the nose – a vibrant smoky, flinty edge …

A Hawke’s Bay wine, fruit from the Chalk Ridge block, just to the south of Havelock North, a portion of whole bunches of viognier added. Inky dark burgundy – glossy …

One of a range of regional Pinot Noirs that Valli produce, this one from the Hall Road vineyard in Bannockburn. A deep ruby-garnet in the glass, with effusive plum, red …

A limited edition single varietal Malbec – originally made available for drinking at one of the Soljans Restaurant ‘theme’ dinners – Argentina barbeque. Such a hit on the night, the …

From Gisborne, a translucent pale gold in the glass. A big nose – minerally and flinty, but with ripe melon, peach and lemon blossom. There’s also a nutty, shortbread note …

A 2000 vintage Gisborne wine – ‘cellar for up to five years’ (oops). Vivid orange-gold in the glass, with a nose of ripe melon, apricot, lychee, orange rind and rose …

From the family vineyard at Mt Maude, a shining, ruby colour in the glass, going magenta at the rim. That pop of brightness follows through on the nose that is …