Go the bay

Hawke’s Bay offers the best-value red wines in the country. If you drink only pinot noir – grown mostly further south, from Wairarapa to Central Otago – it might be time to explore the region’s reds.

Why are they bargain-priced? Our pinot noirs enjoy significant export success and their scented, silky charms can be hard to resist. Hawke’s Bay’s strength lies in “Bordeaux-style” reds, made from the classic merlot and cabernet sauvignon varieties, and more recently syrah (the Aussies call it shiraz). Both of the Bay’s key red-wine styles, although highly impressive, face tough competition overseas, which helps to keep prices sharp.

Alpha Domus The Navigator 2016

This full-bodied, supple red was estate-grown in the Bridge Pā Triangle. Based mostly on merlot and cabernet sauvignon, it is full-coloured, with a fragrant, spicy bouquet. Drinking well now, it has fresh, berryish, plummy,