Paritua 2020 Stone Paddock Scarlet, Hawke’s Bay $24.99 

Why I chose it: 

- Terrific red at a modest price 

- Demonstrates the value of mechanical sorting 

- Terrific wine from an excellent vintage. 

- Potential to develop well with bottle age. 

- A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. 

What does it taste like? 

- Intense, almost chewy red with cassis, dark berry, dark chocolate, dried herbs, cedar, vanilla and nutty oak. Good cellaring potential - needs time to mellow. 

Why it’s a bargain: 

• Wine: Awatere River 2023 Pinot Gris

- Great wine at a great price 

Where can you buy it? 

- Vino Fino (Chch) $20.99  

- Advintage, Hawke’s Bay $23.99  

- Regional Wines, Wellington $24.99 

Food match?  

- Fillet steak, most red meat dishes. 

Will it keep? 

- Yes. 5-10 years, possibly more if stored well