Blended reds often pack a bigger alcoholic punch but are softer on the palate. The Air New Zealand Wine Awards honoured several beautiful blends, here are our two favourites for your Christmas table.

Church Road McDonald Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a rich and deep colour with an almost purple hue. Great to enjoy with steak from the BBQ, expect intense blackcurrant flavours with vanilla and spice aromas, finishing on a silky note.

Cabernet Franc could be considered a rather under-rated wine, which is a shame because there are some beautiful blends out there. Te Awanga Estate Merlot Cabernet Franc is a fabulous example, with a beautiful crimson colour, tobacco and cassis characters, and a full palate. This is an excellent wine to drink now, but if you want to cellar it will have some real thump behind it in five years time. 

Some other blends to try ...

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot from Hawkes Bay offers a full palate and rich berry flavours. Great with venison.

Brown Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon offers a medium body  with oak and earthy undertones - a good match for your cheese board.

Penfolds Rawsons Shiraz Cabernet is an easy drinking red with a well balanced flavour. A great sundowner on Christmas Day with a piece of fruit cake.