A blend of syrah, grenache and mourvèdre from France’s Rhone region, produced by the Quiot family who’ve been making wine since 1748. 1748! This new puppy has a lovely lift of fresh raspberries and redcurrant, cracked pepper and rosehip tea on the nose, followed by fresh berryfruit on the palate and a spicy kick on … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Clearview Estate Cape Kidnappers Syrah 2015 $27
Woah Nelly!! How’s about the whoomph of clove, cinnamon, currants and cocoa on the nose? It’s an aromatic colossus, and one I couldn’t stop sniffing. But once you do you’ll note that it’s incredibly juicy and fleshy for a young wine. I love the onslaught of blackcurrant, peppercorn and graphite goodness in this coastal-grown syrah. … Read More
Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19
Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak. Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character – it’s one of those red wines that’ll have you reaching for your slippers, robe and pipe even if it is … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 15th October, 2016
Syrah is a rising star, so get your astro-awareness on by tasting a smorgasbord of styles… Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19 Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak. Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character … Read More
Moutere Hills Single Vineyard Nelson Syrah 2015 $35
Lean and lifted, green peppercorn, violets, plush red berryfruits and truckloads of spice burst out of the glass and merge with fresh, elegant plum and cocoa characters and it leaves slippery, succulent, mouthwatering finish. Sip with: Peppery duck liver pate www.mouterehills.co.nz
Johner Gladstone Syrah 2013 $50
Reds-wise, people tend to think the Wairarapa is pinot noir country, but sensational syrah is their secret little talent. Earthy, gamey aromatic layers of smoke, old leather, cocoa and pepper entice the nose and osmose into the palate leaving a juicy, succulent and seriously savoury impression. Sip with: Strong, crumbly aged cheddar www.johner-estate.com
The Landing Bay of Islands Syrah 2013 $38
Wow! Grown atop the so-beautiful-it’s-unreal Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and crafted by the legendary Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate in Kerikeri, this syrah has alluring aromas of vanilla-spiced plum and lush, dark berryfruits, followed by a velvety-smooth, densely concentrated mouthfeel and finish. Sip with: slivers of venison salami www.thelandingvineyard.com
Canvas column week commencing 22nd October, 2016
So you thought Hawke’s Bay and Waiheke had Syrah all sewn up? Well here are three little lovelies from less well-known zones… The Landing Bay of Islands Syrah 2013 $38 Wow! Grown atop the so-beautiful-it’s-unreal Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and crafted by the legendary Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate in Kerikeri, this … Read More
Richmond Plains Nelson Blanc de Noir 2016 $22.99
When it comes to producing New Zealand’s first certified organic AND biodynamic pinot noir – the team at Richmond Plains can claim that victory. Here they’ve taken ripe, handpicked pinot noir fruit, crushed it and quickly whisked the red skins away – so the wine remains white. The aromas are of stonefruits, soft cherry and … Read More
Millton Riverpoint Gisborne Viognier 2015 $26
Here’s a lovely mandarin-massaged viognier from the sun-soaked East Coast that you can really wrap your chops around. Perfect to serve with salty, savoury dishes, this organic, biodynamically-grown wine oozes citrus oil, apricot kernel, grapefruit zest and reveals a clean, succulent mouthfeel and a ribbon-like mouthfeel. Sip with: paper thin slices of prosciutto www.millton.co.nz