PHIL PARKER isn’t one to encourage the wanton consumption of fine grog but hey, we’ve all got to get through Xmas and New Year somehow!

Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Dry Riesling 2023 $30
4.5 Stars Bone dry, with beeswax, lemon squash citrus, bergamot and pink grapefruit. Flinty dry mineral finish.
Available: Glengarry blackmarket.co.nz

Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2024 $30
4.5 Stars Also in a bone dry style. 13.5% ABV, poached pear, honeysuckle, tropical fruit and a hint of spice. Tangy, yeasty dry finish.
Available: Glengarry akarua.com

Rimapere Baron Edmond de Rothschild Plot 101 Marlborough Sauvignon 2023 $45
5 Stars Very approachable for the sav averse (e.g. me). Aged on yeast lees and 50% barrel fermented. Ripe gooseberry and passionfruit, grapefruit citrus, herbal mid-palate. Generous and creamy with a medium acid lengthy finish.
Available: akarua.com

Humming Wire Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2023 $16
5 Stars From Johner Estate, an absolute bargain. Buy before I do! Very smoky, ripe and juicy with umami soy, and tar. Ripe blackberry, plum and dark berry fruits. Medium tannic lengthy finish.
Available: Dhall & Nash johner-estate.com

No 1 Family Assemblé $36
5 Stars Total bargain. Creamy and seamless, with a frothy mousse. One of my fave bubblies for any occasion i.e. a day with a Y in it. Apple sauce, grapefruit marmalade, plus yeasty croissant from extended lees ageing. Crisp, tangy mineral finish. Superb. Stock up for Xmas and New Year! no1familyestate.co.nz

No 1 Family Rosé NV $49
5 Stars 100% pinot noir predominant rosé. Dry, yeasty and tangy, with cheery almond, creamy mid-palate and a hint of liquorice and anise. Lengthy dry finish. no1familyestate.co.nz

No 1 Family Cuvée NV $40
5 Stars Lively and crisp, with yeasty, tangy brioche and a creamy frothy mousse. Lime citrus, a hint of canned peach and nectarine. Spent 18 months resting on yeast residue. Lengthy tangy finish. no1familyestate.co.nz

5 Stars No 1 Family Estate Reine Cuvée Reserve NV $63
No.1 Reine Cuvée is a tribute to the family’s beloved mother and Mémère, Reine Vautrelle Le Brun.
Gorgeous wine. Pale gold, with yeasty bread dough aromas. Made with the classic chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meuniere blend. Elegant and just nudging dry – with heaps of yeasty croissant, canned peach, orange marmalade, Manuka honey, straw and toffee.
Available: Glengarry no1familyestate.co.nz

No 1 Family Reserve Blanc de Blanc NV $98
5 Stars 100% chardonnay in a bone-dry and crisp style. Six and half years resting on yeast lees. Pale gold in the glass. Superbly yeasty and creamy, with almond brioche, flinty minerality and lime citrus. Clean and crisp long, tangy yeasty finish. Just 1,680 bottles produced. no1familyestate.co.nz

Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Rosé 2023 $36
4.5 Stars Dry, with hints of red berry fruit, cranberry and toffee apple. Lengthy dry finish.
Available: Glengarry, and widely.

Santa Ana Reserve Malbec Argentina 2022 $23
4.5 Stars Earthy and savoury, with black tea, umami soy sauce, liquorice, spiced plum and lengthy medium tannic finish.
Available: Dhall & Nash, Pt Chev Organic Wines blackmarket.co.nz

Mollydooker The Boxer McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022 $41
5 Stars Absolute classic big ‘n’ bold knockout Aussie Shiraz. Hugely ripe and generous, with blackcurrant, boysenberry and spiced plum compote. 15.5% ABV. Finishes long and strong with liquorice, white pepper, a hint of eucalyptus, and vanillin oak.
Available: Dall & Nash blackmarket.co.nz