The solstice might have been and gone but we are, very much, in the throes of winter. Ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder with a liberal dose of the following:

Pinot Noir 2015 Grasshopper Rock
A boutique wine that everyone’s talking about, this stellar Pinot from Central Otago legends has all the softness and elegance that make the variety pop-off on New Zealand palates. Not to mention, it’s a single vineyard produce which means only the top fruit goes into this blend. Buy it here.

Syrah 2015 Theory & Practice
Top rated by Bob Campbell and various other certified wine experts, this super-fine Hawke’s Bay specimen is one that we can’t stop cracking for nights spent by the fireplace. Dubbed a ‘pedigree new wine producer’ that’s making a name for over-delivering, we’re signing up by the caseload. Buy it here.

Bosquet Des Papes 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Peppery, round and rich, there’s a reason this French wine has become something of a sensation. Derived from the Domaine Bosquet des Papes, a Grenache growing region in the hot South of France, none other than The Wine Advocate Robert Parker gives it his tick of approval. Buy it here.

Pinot Noir 2015 Hāhā
The perfect accompaniment for all our favourite winter fare — rich duck, roast lamb, beef and smoked salmon — the grapes that go into this gorgeous wine are hand-picked in Marlborough Awatere and Upper Wairau Valleys. With plenty of berry and spicy clove on the nose, she’s a go-to choice for Pinot. Buy it here.

Bordeaux Blend 2014 Elephant Hill Merlot Malbec
A ‘clean and perfect’ Bordeaux style that sums up winter perfectly, this luscious wine from Hawke’s Bay’s Elephant Hill is a hard one to go past. Drawing upon the ripeness of a hot year, you can expect freshness, liveliness, depth and satisfaction all rolled into one. What more could we ask? Buy it here.