This is the first time in the North American market for this wine as all previous vintages were sold strictly by mail order within New Zealand. Bright ruby color leads to a pretty nose that suggests sour cherry, cedar, hints of beetroot and clove. It is dry and crisp with silky tannins surrounding ripe fruit. Medium-bodied with good aroma replays, this medium long finishing wine is an excellent match for a veal tenderloin. My note: A bright, carefree wine with vibrant, ripe red cherries. Not earthy, very New World in style. Delicious! Product number = 675231 (XD - extra dry) 750 mL $22.95

Ewan McDonald recommends Delta Pinot 2004 to drink in ‘Seville’ a restaurant/bar in Ponsonby Auckland

While Delta Farm was founded back in 1848, this is its inaugural vintage. Bought in 2000 by four partners, including winemaker Matt Thomson and London-based David Gleave MW, the 40ha vineyard is planted solely with the new Dijon clone of Pinot. Handpicked fruit was open-top fermented and 40% of the wine matured for eight months in new French oak barrels. The best wine goes into the estate’s Hatter’s Hill label, but there’s still plenty left to enjoy here, though a little light on colour and mid-palate weight due to the young vines. The spicy, floral nose leads to a palate of ripe raspberries, cherries, pepper and minerals, overwhelmed a bit by oak tannin and alcohol. Its good structure and length and future vintages should see this newcomer under screwcap level out.