@brihaha I agree, the Taylor’s Promised Land is great. I’m a merlot fan, so I also like the Naked Owl - it comes in a litre bottle at Woolworths. Currently have the McGuigan Cab Merlot and it’s fine.
(Don't know why every place only has maybe 1 or 2 in stock, really annoying, but google is your friend if looking for a good deal). I got both from mightyape (save on shipping) but wineXpert stuff is really good. I left most of my stuff when I moved, so ordering again and slowly building up.
It's a deep rabbit hole, you can add a bit of acid, or a bit of this or that to improve, but just the starter kits is fun.
@brihaha My absolute favourite is Mission Estate sauvignon blanc. So full of flavour, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Always grab it when its on special, at around $13-$15
@brihaha Whatever is on sale with the biggest discount to reach my desired price point, usually a large producer with consistent quality, NZ for white and AUS for red.
@brihaha Hardy's VR has been my go to. A liter bottle, about $13-14. Absolutely yummy. Pino noir, sav blanc. The rose is a bit sweet. Never tried the Chardonnay or Shiraz. Great bang for the buck. Very nice to drink. If it was like $70 with luxury packaging, people would be going crazy about how well it pairs with meals lol. I'm prepared to die on this hill. Hahaha.
@brihaha The New World wine awards are for the best wines under $20. Some of them are on the surprisingly cheap end. My fave on the list comes down to ~$8 on special and is super drinkable.
@brihaha If you are able to afford buying a case you can buy pretty decent wine cheap from blackmarket.co.nz I often by a case of 6 of decent wines working out $9-$13 a bottle.
Obviously not everyone is in that position, but if you can it is a good deal.