Two delightful drops to add to your Christmas wish-list.

Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro Chardonnay 2018

After so long living in the shadow of the all-conquering sauvignon blanc, chardonnay is again finding favour with New Zealand wine drinkers. It’s examples like this from Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro in the Waipara Valley that are stoking the switch as well. This full but smooth and elegant chardonnay has flavours of ripe melon, peach and apricot, complemented by toast and buttery complexities. If it has been a while since you sampled a chardonnay, here’s a good place to start.

fiddlersgreenbistro.co.nz

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2016

The excellent free-draining soils of the Waipara Valley are gaining a reputation for the quality of the pinot noirs they produce, and this example from Pegasus Bay is clear evidence of why. The bouquet is packed with red and dark fruit, with hints of pepper and spice. Layered beneath that are savoury notes of grilled game and black olive tapenade. The palate is satisfyingly concentrated with fine-grained tannins, while a refreshing minerality ensures the wine remains tight and focused, with a lasting finish.

pegasusbay.com