At the other end of the globe there is a beautiful little island (two really) with a lovely country side that is well suited to cooler climate grapes. The wines from there aren’t big or juicy, high alcohol, over ripe. They are well balanced with good acid, lower alcohol levels and a sense of where they come from. Come try a few of them this Saturday.

2011 Cairnbrae Sauvignon Blanc $14 — 13.% Abv
Cairnbrae or “Rocky Hill” is a boutique winery in the favored Rapaura district of Marlborough, New Zealand, neighboring the well-known Cloudy Bay and Corbans Stoneleigh vineyards.. Rich and pure, the wine reflects the powerful landscape it comes from. Lifted citrus blossom floral notes with ripe tropical aromas mingle with lemongrass and guava nuances. Ripe fruit salad tropical notes abound with textural depth and an incredibly long finish. Rich and pure, the wine reflects the powerful landscape it comes from.

2010 Mission Estates Chardonnay $14 — 12.4 % Abv
Mission Estates, located in Hawkes bay, is the oldest winery in NZ, and as the name suggests started missionaries. Their Chardonnay is aged its lees giving it a soft style that is elegant and well structured. The nose has a slight smoky toasty aroma. The palate is full with soft mouth feel and fine flavors in the mid palate. They are reminiscent of stone fruit and citrus with subtle vanilla undertones from the oak. The fresh finish is clean and persistent

2010 Cairnbrae Pinot Noir $18 — 13.5% Abv
Cairnbrae’s Pinot Noir exudes classic ripe fruit flavors. Plum, cherry and blueberry fruit notes support a warm earth and spicy complexity. Damson plums, black cherry and blueberry fruit notes are supported with a warm earth and spicy complexity. The palate is rich and full on entry with ripe dark fruits, savory complexity and supple tannins. The mid-palate is creamy whilst the finish is flavorsome and persistent.

2010 Yealands Pinot Noir $18 — 13% Abv
From Marlborough, New Zealand, Yealands is a sustainably farmed estate winery that uses sheep instead of tractors and wind turbos for power. The exposure to high sun and wind, coupled with cool nights and low rainfall produce a smaller, thicker skinned berry. His Pinot has intense fruit aromas of dark cherry and savory spice. The palate is refined with notes of plum, complemented by silky tannins and a long savory finish.

2010 Mission Estate, Merlot $16 — 12.8% Abv
Not to be confused with Washington or California Merlot the Mission Estate’s is a lighter example. The nose has aromas of plum, sweet spice and savory notes. The palate is medium bodied with generous fruit in the mid palate. The wine finishes with soft fine tannins and lingering spicy fruit aromas.