Although some of these tasting notes may be found elsewhere on this site, this page brings together most of the Pink, Rosé and Blush wines, listed alphabetically by Producer. Click here for rating systems and abbreviations.

Ascension 'The Rosarian' Matakana Pinotage Rose 2006 (sc) Light watermelon pink with raspberries and dried herbs on the nose, the flavour is all juicy strawberries and spice. Crisp on entry with a lingering sweetness and a touch of viscosity adds richness. ***. 12.5% alc. $24.00. Peter May's Pinotage Tasting: 11Nov2007.

Askerne Hawkes Bay Merlot Rosé 2007 (sc) Pretty ruby pink with abundant strawberry and cherry aromas and the soft, ripe, juicy, spicy flavours, the fruit is sweet but the wine is dry with a slightly grainy texture and just a little bit of grip and the taste lingers beautifully. 14% alc. 3-4 g/l rs. $16. 4Sep2007.
A rich deep pink with strawberry, plum and spice on the nose and more richness than you would expect from a Rosé wine in the palate. With plums, a hint of leather, strawberries, spice, a hint of liquorice and dried herb flavours, it's rounded with smooth tannins, intensity of flavour and a lasting red fruit finish. ***1/2. 23Oct2007.

Auntsfield Pretty Horses Marlborough Rosé 2007 (sc) There's a richness to the bright ruby hue. Tantalising aromas of strawberry, raspberry and cherry and crisp, fresh flavours of cherry and spice with just a touch of savouriness make this dry and textural pink, very very appealing. 100% Pinot Noir. 13.5% alc. $28. *****. 9Oct2007.

Babich East Coast Joe's Rose 2006(sc) There are orange tints to the pinky-red hue of this 50% Pinotage, 50% Merlot blend with bright citrus and strawberry flavours, hints of liquoricey herbs and a savouriness to the off dry finish. ***. 13% alc. $19.95. Peter May's Pinotage Tasting: 11Nov2007.

Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Rosé 2007 (sc) This blend of equal proportions of Merlot and Malbec is a vitreous pink colour with a lustrous purple glow. It's dry and savoury to the taste with an earthy depth to the red fruit flavours and a little bit of tannin adds grip. It's long and dry with a touch of spice adding brightness to the savoury, earthy aftertaste. 13% alc. $17.00. ***. 13Oct2007.

Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec Rosé 2007 (sc) Deep, clear, light ruby. There's an earthiness to the aroma and malbec florals add to the spicy, winey perfume. A full-bodied style of rosé with a slightly oily texture, a delicate hint of tannin, strawberry and blackberry fruit and the earthiness detected on the nose emerging again on the bright fruit finish. With complexity and depth, this well-made, well-balanced rosé follows the quality this label has instilled. 14% alc. $18.99. 14Aug2007.
Clear ruby pink with depth and brightness to the hue, this blend of Merlot and Malbec has a fragrant, lightly floral, strawberry aroma and a spicy, creamy flavour with richness and depth. With strawberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, a savoury undercurrent and a delicate hint of tannin, this full-bodied, dry Rosé is more than just a frivolous fling. It's consistently NZ's best. 14% alc. $18.99. ***** 3Oct2007.

Fromm La Strada Marlborough Rose 2007 (D) There's an amazing textural richness in this almost bone dry wine that has the prettiest pink, watermelon hue. It's sweetly perfumed, like a bowl of fresh strawberries sprinkled with icing sugar, and tastes like strawberries too - strawberries with a little bit of spice and a faint herbal nuance. A touch of viscosity adds richness to the mouthfeel and a touch of acidity on the finish adds a zesty brightness. It's perfectly poised, an absolutely delightful wine. 13% alc. $16.90. 3Nov2007.

Margrain Vineyard Martinborough Pinot Rosé 2007 (sc) There's a richness to the lustrous pink colour. Strawberry scents fill the nose while cherry and plum fruit flavours fill the palate - like fresh, early season, juicy yellow-fleshed that fall off the tree with some shaking. Juicy and lightly sweetish in the palate with a touch of savouriness demarcating the pinot fruit, then the strawberries detected on the nose resurge to linger on the lifted, floral finish. 100% Pinot Noir. 13.5% alc. $24. ****. 13Oct2007.

Matua Valley Northland Rose 2007 (sc) With it's bright, cherry pink colour, this blend of predominantly Pinotage is juicy, savoury and lightly spicy with just a hint of anise. It's 'medium' in sweetness and lightly robust in its structure with enough zesty acidity to balance the sweet red berry flavours and make the finish seem dry. A refreshing light red that should have wide appeal. $15.95. 13% alc. ****1/2. 29Oct2007.
Lovely deep watermelon / ruby with a fluorescent shimmer. A little earthy on the nose and a tug of sweetness and savouriness in the palate with a hint of leather underlying the wild red and black berry fruits. There's a bright, spicy lift to the finish, which is long and succulent for the style. ****. 13% alc. $15.95. Peter May's Pinotage Tasting: 11Nov2007.

Richmond Plains Blanc de Noir 2007 (sc) The palest of pinks with a candy floss lightness, there's strawberry, cherry and rose petals on the nose and juicy to the taste with abundant strawberry and raspberry sweetness, a sherbet zestiness and a touch of creamy vinosity that adds richness and texture. Clean, bright, fresh and breezy with a long juicy finish, it's made from 100% Pinot Noir. 14.5% alc. $19.95. ****1/2. 13Oct2007.

Sileni Hawkes Bay Cabernet Franc Rosé 2007(sc) Deliciously appealing pink ruby colour, this medium-bodied style tastes deep and earthy and just a little leathery with blueberries seemingly the dominant fruit until summer berries take over the finish. 13.5% alc. $20. 4Sep2007.

Soljans Rakelina Sparkling Gisborne Rose NV Gorgeous ruby-pink hue. Cherry and strawberry aromas with a hint of tar in the distance. Bright-fruited, clean, and fresh with lots of foamy fizz filling the mouth and a Muscat sweetness to the finish. A fun, hot summer day wine that will be best straight from the fridge. Predominantly Pinotage with a touch of Muscat. ***. 13.5% alc. $17.00. Peter May's Pinotage Tasting: 11Nov2007.

Soljans Two Sisters Gisborne Rose 2007 (sc) Deep watermelon pink. Cherry and strawberry aromas with a slightly confectionary, boiled lolly overtone lead into lightly sweetish, medium-bodied palate with an underlying savouriness and a surge of concentration to the lingering cherry fruit finish. ***1/2. 13% alc. $17.00. Peter May's Pinotage Tasting: 11Nov2007.

Sugar Loaf Marlborough Rosé 2007 (sc) Delicate pale pink in colour, it's vibrant and fresh and deliciously juicy with flavours of strawberry and yellow fleshed early season plums. Predominantly Pinot Noir with 8% Riesling in the blend adding vibrancy and acidic lift. 11.5% alc. 4Sep2007.

Unison Hawkes Bay Rose 2007 (sc) A deep ruby red - shiny, gemmy and bright. Spicy on the nose and a little earthy and leathery in the palate - has this some Malbec in with the predominant Syrah? Full-bodied with a little bit of tannic grip, it has a mouthfilling vibrancy to the finish. I though this best with food. Try with hot smoked salmon on a horseradish-infused cream cheese spread.13% alc. 3Nov2007.

Wooing Tree Central Otago Rose 2007 (sc) Pretty pinkish light ruby, ripe cherry on the nose, there's an earthy depth and richness to the flavour with red and black cherry fruit and a peachiness emerging on the aftertaste. Made from 100% Pinot Noir - and you can taste the pinot noir in this wine. 13.5% alc. $15. 4Sep2007.
Pale watermelon pink. Pretty strawberry and cherry aromas with a hint of violet and a delicate attack of spiced strawberry flavour. It's quite crisp when chilled with just a touch of sweetness to add lusciousness to the lingering aftertaste but enough dryness to still taste okay when it warms up to room temperature on a hot day. 100% Pinot Noir. 13.5% alc. $21. ****. 23Oct2007.

Ascension 'Flamenco' Matakana Sparking Rosé NV Made as a fun wine, this has a pretty red cherry hue, a strawberry and cream aroma and a fizzy attack of bubbles in the palate. It's crisp but lightly sweetish with a confectionery strawberry flavour - drink it in winter and imagine the sun. $24. 10Jul2007.

Ata Rangi Summer Rose 2006 - Martinborough (sc) A blend of predominantly Merlot with Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a pretty watermelon pink. It's full of juicy strawberry scents with a smooth tannin structure behind the strawberry and cherry fruit flavours with a hint of redcurrant and it finishes dry. Lovely summery drop. 13% alc. $18. 18Sep2006.
A bright, clear, deep watermelon pink colour, it smells of juicy red berry fruits and tastes of strawberry, cherry and spice with a touch of tannin giving structure to the creamy texture and a very pleasant, floral, lingering finish. A refreshing dry wine made from a blend of Merlot, Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a serious statement of a style that is much more appreciated in Europe than in New Zealand. 13% alc. $20.99. 24Jan2007.

Christensen Estate Feather White 2006 (sc) A rose style made from Merlot, CF and CS. Just bottled and served chilled1 there's hints of berries and tropical fruit on the nose and it's fresh and clean in the palate with a bone dry finish and gorgeous fruit salad flavours lingering. 11.5% alc. $19. 10Oct2006.

Clayridge Marlborough Pinot Rose 2006 (sc) A rich watermelon pink, this light-bodied wine smells of raspberries and cream and the taste is crisp, bright and fruity and imparts flavours of fresh tart raspberries and blackberries straight off the vine with a citrussy undercurrent. It garners richness as it lingers in the mouth. 16/20. 4.9g/l rs.12.5% alc. $18.95. 26Dec2006.

Clearview Black Reef Blush 2006 (sc) Made from 48.5% Chambourcin, 23.5% Merlot, 17% Malbec, 9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.5% Cabernet Franc from Hawkes Bay, the blend has resulted in a very pretty, deep watermelon pink. On the nose the cherry and strawberry scents are subtle but they are well defined in the strawberries and cream palate. It's spicy and zesty with a touch of pepper but it's also quite sweet so must be chilled to bring out the crispness. Overall quite drinkable. 15.5/20. 4.5g/l rs. 13.5% alc. 15.5/20. 29Dec2006.

Domaine Georges Michel Summer Folly 2006 A delicate spinel colour, this almost bone dry, 100% Pinot Noir has a strawberry aroma with a hint of strawberry and spice in the medium-bodied palate with a savoury, earthy aftertaste and a hint of fruit salad on the fresh, clean finish. 13% alc. $13. 4Sep2007.

Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec Rose 2006 (sc) Clear light ruby, quite dark for rosé, with fragrant crushed strawberry aromas and crisp spicy flavours of concentrated strawberry and berry fruit and just a hint of liquorice. It has surprisingly good structure for Rose and finishes just off dry. A serious style and worth considering for a summer day occasion. 14% alc. $17.99. 30Nov2006.

Felton Road Central Otago Vin Gris 2006 (sc) A light onion skin colour with the most delicate hue of pink, it's quite neutral on the nose with yeasty nuances, hints of earth and a subtle suggestion of boiled cherry lollies. The dry, fresh and crisp palate is all about texture and vinosity. It's slightly oily with the faintest hint of strawberry and a sherbetty, almost salty zest to the full-bodied finish with a long nutty aftertaste, a pleasing rounded mouthfeel and excellent length. Made from 100% free run pinot noir juice, fermented in old barrels then aged on lees in tank, it's been likened to a Blanc de Noir champagne without the bubbles. I can see why. 14% alc. $26.99. 15Aug2007.

Gibbston Valley Central Otago Blanc de Pinot Noir 2006 (sc) Strawberry red in colour with cherry, plum and candy floss on the nose and dry, spicy, zesty flavours that are full of citrus, strawberry and a suggestion of dried herbs that add savouriness to the finish. It's round and rich with a lightly creamy texture and although a year on from vintage, it's still vibrant and fruit crunchy with a vinous punch. 100% Pinot Noir. ****1/2. 14.8% alc. $25. 23Oct2007.

Gladstone Wairarapa Rose 2006 (sc) Slightly bronzed orange-red, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc has a herbal, soapy, spicy aroma which carries through to the palate to be joined by crisp apple and unripe berry fruit flavours. It's quite tart with an herbaceous finish then sweet, spiced, honeyed fruit emerges and hot pepper hits the tongue as it lingers. 15/20. 3g/l rs. 14.5% alc. $35. 29Dec2006.

Hinchco Matakana Merlot Rose 2006 (sc) A pleasing hue to the strawberry colour, and strawberry and cherry hints to the aroma, it's reasonably dry, savoury and spicy with berry fruit and a leathery hint to the backbone. Subtle tannins give structure and the finish is clean and fresh. Deliberately made dry to match to food, try with Cajun Chicken. 12.5% alc. $19.99. 10Jul2007.

Hyperion 'Demeter' Matakana Rose 2006 (sc) Made from Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this clear and bright in its watermelon colour. Earthy on the nose and a little leathery in the palate, the strawberry and redcurrant has a slightly herbaceous undercurrent to add to the tastiness of this fresh summer style. 13.5%. 3-4g/l rs. $17. 8Oct2006.

Julicher Martinborough Rose 2006 (sc) Made from Pinot Noir, this is delicate watermelon in colour with sweetish strawberry scents. The sweetness detected on the nose carries through to palate with a spicy herbaceous from the pinot fruit. A summery style that needs to be well chilled. 13.5%. $19.50. 8Oct2006.

Kaimira Brightwater Nelson Rose 2006 (sc) Pretty candy floss pale pink. Slightly earthy aroma. Oily texture. Pinot Noir in a dry style, spicy and fresh, strawberry and raspberries and a spritzy finish. 14% alc. 9Oct2006.

Matua Valley North Island Rose 2006 (sc) Pretty watermelon pink with expressive aromas of ripe berries, sweet strawberries and hints of orange blossom that carry through to the palate which is almost off dry with lots of spicy zest to the rounded, lingering finish. A blend of 82% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 3% Riesling from Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. 16.5/20. 12g/l rs. 12.5% alc. $16.95. 29Dec2006.

Mills Reef Gimblett Gravels Reserve Rose 2006 (sc) This blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Malbec is a rich pinky red, almost ruby in colour and looks fantastic but there is almost no aroma at all and it tastes herbal and earthy before spicy berry and stonefruit flavours emerge to linger on the off dry finish. But overall it's a little astringent and hard. 15/20. 13.5% alc. $22.95. 29Dec2006.

Monkey Bay East Coast Rose 2006 (sc) Pale strawberry / peach skin colour, this is a fat, leesy little number, a little like unoaked chardonnay with a strawberry toffee character on the nose and spicy strawberries to the fore in the palate. It's soft and rounded yet has a zesty, zingy sherbert-like character that keeps the overall sweetness in balance and the finish is bright and fresh. A blend of 70% Merlot, 17% Malbec, 7% Pinotage and 6% Syrah from Hawkes Bay, this is another crowd pleaser. 16/20. 12.5% alc. $14.95. 29Dec2006.

Mount Dotterel Central Otago Saignee Rosé 2006 (sc) Richly scented with cherries, plums, a hint of candy floss and a floral nuance that's reminiscent of port wine magnolia. Cherry flavours fill the sweet and initially slightly lollyish palate but do not detract because the wine is juicy and the finish is savoury and loves to be chilled. 100% Pinot Noir. 13.5% alc. $20.25. ***1/2. 23Oct2007.

Mount Michael Estate Selection Central Otago Rose 2006 (sc) A fresh fruity wine with a pretty spinel-pink colour and strawberry and spice flavours with a savoury undercurrent. Drinks well at cool room temperature but even better chilled when a zesty acidity emerges and berries linger on the bright savoury aftertaste. 100% Pinot Noir. 6.5g/l rs. 13% alc. $19.95. 2Nov2006.

Muddy Water Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose 2006 (sc) Smelling of sweet macerated strawberries the aroma carries through to the palate where the earthy undercurrent of pinot noir balances the fruit Sweetness while a touch of citrus adds zest to the finish. 10g/l rs. 13.5%. $18. 18Sep2006.
Fruity, floral, perfumed strawberry and raspberry aromas. A touch of sweetness balances the savoury pinot noir fruit and the finish is soft and fruity finish. Fresh and refreshing when served chilled. Made from Central Otago fruit. 13.5% alc. 9 g/L rs. $18. 20May2007.

Obsidian Weeping Sands Rose 2006 (sc) Delicate pink, fragrant, oily textured, rich berry fruit, dry tasty finish. 100% Merlot. 12.5% alc. 6g/l rs. 10Oct2006.

Richmond Plains Blanc de Noir 2006 (sc) The very palest of pink hues, perhaps a suggestion of onion skin colour, the wine is made entirely from Pinot Noir but smells a little like Pinot Gris with pear drop aromas and perhaps a waft of cherry. It's bright, fresh and lightly fruity with an oily texture, hints of zesty lime sherbet, spiced peach, a touch of honeycomb and a soft lingering finish. 100% Certified organic grapes. 16/20. 13g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 29Dec2006.

Richmond Plains Nelson Rose 2006 (sc) Medium pinky-red with berry scents that have a herbaceous undertone, the herb flavours carry through to the palate with tart, crisp, strawberry flavours. Overall it is quite sour and just a little medicinal too, while the lingering flavour is like strawberry liqueur. 100% certified organic grapes. 14.5/20. 4.6g/lrs. 13.2% alc. $18.99. 29Dec2006.

Rockburn 'Stolen Kiss' 2006 (sc) A rose style made from 100% Pinot Noir. Pale watermelon colour, hints of strawberry and cherry on nose carry through to the palate where strawberry is the dominating character. Rich, weighty and spicy with a touch of tannin in the background, it's well-balanced and tastes drier than it is, even more so when chilled. 12g/l rs. 14% alc. $21. 11Oct2006.

Shaky Bridge Central Otago Rose 2006 (sc) Pale watermelon with slightly herbal undertones to the berry scents and a touch of pepper too, the herbal characters carry through to the palate where blackcurrant-like fruit emerges. It's quite flavoursome but the finish is tart. Made from 100% Pinot Noir. 15/20. 13% alc. $21. 29Dec2006.

Te Awa Hawkes Bay Rose 2006 (sc) Deep pinky red, almost ruby, quite intense and gemmy in appearance, the aroma is of blackberry flowers with hints of spice and the palate is full of creamy textured blackberry flavours. A medium-bodied, gutsy Rosé made in a sweeter style with a lifted finish and earthy leathery tones as it lingers. 16.5/20. 13.5% alc. $22.90. 29Dec2006.

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir Rose 2006 (sc) Slightly bronzed pink, peachy tones introduce the Pinot Gris-like aromas that have an earthy nuance and a yeasty undercurrent with hints of fruit cake cherries. It's a little herbaceous to the taste but the texture is smooth and oily and while the wine is quite neutral, it is dry with a spicy bite to the finish. Like Pinot Gris, it will accompany food quite well. 17/20. 3g/l rs. 14% alc. $17.99. 29Dec2006.

Tresillian Canterbury Rosé of Pinot 2006 (sc) Slightly earthy cherry scents, spritzy textured in the palate, quite dry to the taste with strawberry and cherry fruit and spice emerging on the finish. Just takes a while to traverse through the palate and open up. 11.1% alc. 3.5g/l rs. 3Sep2007.

Vavasour Awatere Valley Rose 2006 (sc) Pretty, pale watermelon pink, this smells inviting and appealing with fresh strawberry and cream scents and the crisp strawberry and juicy stonefruit flavours fill the expectation that the nose promises. Clean, soft and juicy, just off dry but well balanced from the underpinning of sweet citrus, this delivers everything that I expect Rosé to. It's made from Cabernet Franc, which accounts for the expressive aroma, and I rated it my top wine of 13 wines tasted on 29 Dec. 18/20. 7.3g/l rs. 13% alc. $24. 29Dec2006.

West Brook Waimauku Merlot Malbec Rose 2006 (sc) Made from the estate's own fruit, it's delicate, fresh and clean with cherry aromas and spicy zesty flavours full of plum and cherry fruit. A perfect light-bodied rose for summer. 12% alc. $18.95. 7Jan2007.

Wooing Tree Blondie 2006 - Central Otago (sc) Straw gold, perhaps an ever so slight suggestion of pink, especially if you let your imagination run wild. It smells of spicy yeast lees, a little like unoaked chardonnay and the juicy fruit and bubble gum flavours have me thinking that direction too. But the more dominant character is fresh, strawberry-like fruit and there's good acidity and just a little tannin. A well-structured tasty white made from 100% Pinot Noir. 6.2 g/l rs. 13% alc. $19.50. 27Aug2006.

Wooing Tree Rose 2006 - Central Otago (sc) Pretty pale candy floss pink. Gorgeous aromas of strawberry and cherry mingle with the winey fragrance then in the mouth it's rich in texture with just a touch of spritziness, juicy strawberry and raspberry fruit with red apple, a nuance of thyme, an earthy backbone and a floral finish. A beautifully balanced, vibrant, Rose, not too sweet and not too dry. 100% Pinot Noir. 5g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $19.50. 27Aug2006.

Woollaston Nelson Pinot Noir Rose 2006 (sc) Palest of pink, like a wet spinel gemstone, served chilled this is fresh and crisp with an earthy depth to the strawberry, plum and cherry flavours with a spicy richness to the finish. Clean and shows the varietal character of pinot noir well. A surprisingly versatile wine. Tasted in the afternoon, the sun beating down, it's wonderfully refreshing. Then served as an accompaniment to rosé marinated strawberries with marscapone and a wafer thin shortbread crisp, it finished a meal off beautifully. $18. 23Nov2006.

Allan Scott Marlborough Rosé 2005 (sc) Watermelon-pink in colour with crushed strawberry aromas and sweet/sour flavours of strawberry and tart cherry fruit with a soft, lightly viscous texture and a fresh, savoury finish. 14% alc. 10g/l rs. 19Sep2005.

Ata Rangi Summer Rosé 2005 (sc) A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Meunier, this richly coloured rosé is crisp and dry with a lovely rose petal floral character, spicy fruit and a savouriness to the long, crisp finish with fruit sweetness as it lingers. Fresh and young and raring to go. 12.5% alc. $18. 19Sep2005.

Bensen Block Gisborne Rose 2005 (sc) Pale red pink. Slightly rubbery, Semillon-like aromas when first opened, later watermelon. Rounded in the palate with soft peachy flavours and a leesy richness, like unoaked Chardonnay with a bit of colour. It's smooth well balanced, not too sweet and well balanced hints of spiced cherries as it lingers. The crowd favourite. 17.5/20. 11g/lrs. 13% alc. $15.95. 29Dec2006.

Clayridge Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2005 A deep, gemmy strawberry/cerise colour introduces this strong smelling wine that has floral notes among the slightly earthy, black cherry scents that lead into the full-bodied palate. light red wine that has quite a full-bodied palate for a Rosé. A nicely structured 'light red' with plummy fruit and pinot spice, body weight and fullness, and a musky, floral note to the firm, just off-dry finish with strawberries and cherries lingering on the aftertaste. This is a Rosé for pinot lovers as it tastes like a light pinot but has the sweet fruitiness that is typical of Rosé. 12.5% alc. 4.5g/l rs. $16. 23Oct2005.

Clearview Black Reef Blush 2005 - Hawkes Bay (sc) A little herbal smelling and those herbal nuances carry through to the palate. Dry and savoury, a little earthy with cherry, citrus, light tannins and a fruit sweet to the grainy textured, slightly astringent finish. 13% alc. $14.

Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Merlot Malbec Rose 2005 (sc) Lovely colour and gorgeous fruity aromas of strawberry, raspberry and watermelon lead into a juicy palate with good structure underpinned by just enough tannins, and a long fruity finish. 13.5% alc. $17.95. 6Sep2005.

Gibbston Valley Blanc de Pinot Noir 2005 - Central Otago Pretty candy pink. Floral, fruity, freshly crushed strawberry aromas. Bright lifted flavours with a creamy richness. Great fruit in the tart strawberry spectrum with a touch of tannin and a twist of lime to the juicy finish. 12.5%, 5.3g/l rs. $25. 22Aug2005.

Goldwater Marlborough Rosé 2005 (sc) Made from 100% Pinot Noir from new vineyards in the Awatere, this is a ripe watermelon pink with juicy strawberry and cherry fruit, good tannin structure and a dry, floral finish. Nicely balanced. 13% alc. $19. 8Sep2005.

Jackson Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2005 (sc) Good colour, like a deep watermelon pink. Floral cherryish aromas and a slightly sweetish fruity flavour with a vinous richness to the finish. 13% alc. $19.95. 8Sep2005.
Light ruby hued with an appealing, pinot noir cherry-influenced fruity aroma and a juicy, fruity taste with an earthy undercurrent to the cherry and crushed strawberry fruit. It finishes dry with a touch of acidity to keep it crisp and fresh. Made from 100% Pinot Noir. 12% alc. $19.99. 23Oct2005.

Karikari Estate Northland Rosé 2005 A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Pinotage, this is a gamey, savoury wine with an oily texture and a richness to the wild berry fruits finish. A big wine and quite a departure from the fruity floral styles from further south. 14% alc. 23Oct2005.

Lawsons Dry Hills Pinot Noir Rose 2005 (sc) Medium pinky-red with rosehip aromas, it's also emits some reductive characters when first opened but they quickly blow away. Overall it's a well-balanced wine with raspberry and spice in the palate and lots of citrus peel that adds refreshing tartness to the dry finish. 15.5/20. 4.5g/l rs. 13% alc. $21.95. 29Dec2006.

Longridge Hawkes Bay Rosé 2005 (sc) Deep rose pink. Ripe and succulent smelling with delicate berry scents laced with citrus and apple blossom, the citrus notes carry through to the palate giving a bright tangy vibrancy. This is a well-structured wine with dryish tannins, juicy red cherry and slightly unripe strawberry enhancing the acidity as it lingers. 50% merlot, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinotage. 12% alc. $14.95.

Matua Valley Gisborne Rosé 2005 A very pale pink, the colour of pale pink watermelon where it is near the white rind. Sour plum aromas and a light fruity, sweet, boiled lolly flavour with cherries and strawberries lingering on the citrussy, slightly spritzy finish. Made from 100% Merlot. 12.5% alc. $15.95. 23Oct2005.

Montana East Coast Rose 2005 (sc)Vibrant watermelon/candy floss pink in colour with floral fruity aromas and thirst quenching flavours of strawberries and raspberries with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the fruity acidity. 12% alc. 10g/l rs. $16. 31Aug2005.
Slightly herbal smelling with a delicate rose petal nuance. Crisp and fresh, dry and earthy with fruit in the red apple, rhubarb and citrus spectrum, delicate tannins and a touch of lemon zest on the ripe fruit finish, and just a hint of strawberry as it lingers. Made from a blend of Merlot and Pinotage. 12.2% alc. $14.95.

Ransom Matakana Vin Gris 2005 (D) Watermelon colour, fragrant rose petal and berry aromas. Slightly viscous texture, light and fresh with a crisp dry finish and a mealy undercurrent. A blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot. 13% alc. 3g/l rs. $17.19Feb2006.

Schubert Waipara Rosé 2005 (c) Very palest of pinks, just washed in colour. Strawberry water scents with a touch of herb, not strong in its berry intensity. Very dry with good balance of acidity to the delicate strawberry and apple fruit flavours with the earthiness of pinot coming through and a yeasty richness to the finish - a bit like Champagne without bubbles.Dry, crisp and refreshing with the sweetness of strawberry coming through to linger on the finish. 100% Pinot Noir. 12% alc. $20.

Soljans Two Sisters Gisborne Rosé 2005 (sc) Dark rose pink. Sweet fruit scents of ripe berry - twisting and turning in the glass with a zesty citrus flavour in the palate and a myriad of sweet summer berries with a floral overtone to the lingering finish. Good weight and structure in the juicy off-dry style with a slight viscosity to the finish. Very appealing. 12% alc. $16.95.

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé 2005 Cerise pink in colour with fruity aromas that hint of strawberry and citrus on the nose then in the palate citrus, watermelon, spice and cherries. A slightly sweeter, medium-weight style with a quenching juiciness to the fruity finish. 12.5% alc. 7.5 g/l rs. 23Oct2005.

Unison Hawkes Bay Rosé 2005 (c) Dark rose, Vibrant, spicy blackberry and cherry scent, perhaps some chicory oak. The spiciness carries through to the palate with oomph and zest. A powerful, dry, full-bodied Rosé with juicy blackberry and cassis fruit, a creamy texture and a vibrant, spicy, dry finish. More of a "light red". Not a wine for wimps. 14% alc. $18.

Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Rose 2005 (sc) Floral, crushed strawberry aromas with tart fruit in the palate with a creamy malo backbone and a fruity bramble fruit finish. Needs to be chilled. 14% alc.$16.95. 6Sep2005.
Deep rose pink with a faint hint of smoke (though I am sure this is unoaked), concentrated black cherry and spice on the nose and spicy, spritzy flavours with boiled lolly, pink jube flavours and a zesty note to the more savoury finish. Good palate weight and structure for a Rosé. 14% alc. $16.95.
Light ruby with fragrant, strawberry aromas and spicy, zesty flavours from the touch of citrus over crushed red berry fruit with a nuance of herb and a hint of pepper. Good weight for a Rosé and the lingering aftertaste is reminiscent of a strawberry milkshake. A blend of Merlot/Syrah/Pinot Noir/Malbec. 14% alc. $13.95. 22Mar2006.

West Brook Marlborough Rose 2005 (sc) Made from 100% pinot noir, it's a macerated strawberry colour, it smells of roses and strawberries and the taste is upfront strawberry underpinned by slightly leathery tannins and a citrussy rosehip finish. A year and a half after vintage, it lacks upfront freshness and is a little sweet and cloying. 14% alc. $10. 7Jan2007.