HãHã Sauvignon Blanc 2016
There’s a New Zealand wine currently at Vintages outlets labelled HãHã Sauvignon Blanc 2016. And that’s no joke. HãHã in the Maori language means savoury and luscious. And that pretty much sums it up. Bright straw in colour, it offers a grassy, grapefruit and apple nose with a mineral note; medium-bodied and crisply dry, flavours of gooseberries and green beans carried on zesty acidity fill the palate. It costs $18.95 at Vintages and partners well with oysters and shellfish. That’s HãHã Sauvignon Blanc 2016 from New Zealand at Vintages. For Post City magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($16.95, Vintages #388363) (88)

Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2015
Joel Peterson, who owns Ravenswood Winery in Lodi, California, has a sign that hangs in his tasting room – “No Wimpy Wines Allowed.” And that’s what you get in his range of Zinfandels. Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zin 2015 is deep ruby-purple in colour; The nose is spicy leather and black plum with cedary oak notes. It’s full-bodied, fruity but dry with coursing acidity that gives the wine its length of flavour. It costs $21.95 a bottle at Vintages outlets and cries out for chili or spicy ribs. That’s Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 from California. For Post City magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($21.95, Vintages #942599) (88)