Four New Zealand Wines From Negociants

A brace of wines each from New Zealand's Nautilus Estate and Two Paddocks

Away from generic pungent Marlborough Sauvignon, here are some more-ambitious wines from New Zealand.

Nautilus Estate Grüner Veltliner 2013 (£17.99) Nautilus' fourth GV vintage; the vines are starting to get some maturity, showing wonderful varietal character; pure, linear and concentrated - a textbook GV.

Citrus peel, green herbs and lentil, white pepper spice and a pebbly minerality. Very elegant and precise.

Very Good.

Nautilus Estate Cuvée Marlborough NV (£21.99) one of NZ's leading sparkling wines; traditional method, aged on less for over 3 years, made from Pinot & Chardonnay; an IWC regional trophy winner this year)

Expressive ripe orchard fruit, citrussy freshness, a fine mousse and a leesy-yeasty Champagne-esque autolytic brioche character.

Good.

Two Paddocks Picnic Riesling 2014 £17-18 off-dry in style, Central Otago boutique winery owned by actor Sam Neill.

Classic Riesling nose of kerosine and diesel; stone fruit and gingery spice with lime cordial, pineapple and a persistent minerality. Clean, pure and very adept.

Very Good.

Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir 2013 £24 entry level range from Two Paddocks - blended from fruit sourced from Sam's vineyards in the three sub regions of Central Otago.

Bright, red-berry fruit, a whiff of farmyard and some savoury oak. Fresh, elegant and supple.

Good.

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