A year of full paradoxes for winemaking. 2012 gave birth to a great vintage, surmounting multiple challenges. Nature proved unpredictable and implacable as a series of climate events descended upon the vineyards: frost in the winter and spring, torrential rains, hailstorms and cold spells while the vines were flowering, plus intense heat waves over the summer. A warm and dry climate alleviated any concerns as to the health of grapes, favouring the maturation of the fruit. The beginning of the harvest stretched from September 10 to 26, depending on the parcels. Tasting the grapes revealed tremendous promise, with a balance between freshness and generosity.

The Gisborne grapes (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) deliver vibrant aromas and flavours displaying apple and melon characters, a fine mousse, a lingering, dry finish and fine acidity.

The nose is bursting with melons, peach and ripe tropical and citrus fruits, followed by a generous fruit-driven palate. Classic Chardonnay roundness, giving a mouth-filling finish.

Red cherry, plum and spice, fruity and smooth. Great with red meats.

Pinot Noir; notoriously difficult to cultivate, but with luck, love & perfect conditions, she will reward you with the performance of a life time - a minx & a devil in disguise, a Fickle Mistress. Central Otago's cool climate consistently produces exceptional red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry and redcurrant, but with concentration and length to match. This wine is layered with black and red berry fruits, complemented by blossoming aromas of dark plum.

Fine example of a Marlborough Chardonnay from the team at Fickle Mistress.

Pinot Noir is fickle but she is charming, she is temperamental but bewitching. She is the Fickle Mistress.

A classic zesty Marlborough Sauvignon from the Fickle Mistress team.

Pinot Noir is fickle but she is charming, she is temperamental but bewitching. She is the Fickle Mistress.

Light in colour, luscious pear with hints of honeysuckle. The vibrant palate is refreshing with a textured round finish.

Ruby port is a traditional style of port and Fonseca have been shipping Ruby since the company was founded over 200 years ago. Fonseca take great pride in their Ruby which has remained consistent in quality for over a century and a half.

Fonseca Tawny spends three years ageing in small wooden casks, generally holding about 630 litres. As it matures in cask, Tawny Port gradually loses the deep red 'ruby' colour of youth and takes on the seductive amber hue known as 'tawny'.