Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017

24 November 2018By Yvonne

Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017 $21.99 Punchy and peppery right upfront then followed by juicy raspberry and cherry and light leathery, earthy notes on the palate.  It’s a great introduction to good, affordable, Gimblett Gravels syrah and as soon as you’ve tasted it you’ll be hooked!

Redmetal Vineyards Basket Press Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015

19 November 2018By Yvonne

Redmetal Vineyards Basket Press Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015 $36 Direct from the jazz hands of master Bridge Pa syrah winemaker, Grant Edmonds, this is a plump, plush, softly-peppered style that is drinking darn nicely now.  Earthy, and with elaborately elastic tannins, this is supple and sumptuous.  Buy now, drink now or forever kick yourself.

The Hay Paddock Pitchfork Classic Hawke’s Bay Red 2016

8 August 2018By Yvonne

The Hay Paddock Pitchfork Classic Hawke’s Bay Red 2016 $34 Blended from a selection of classic Hawke’s Bay red varieties with Malbec and Syrah being the main stars, this has been supervised by Chris Canning, artist, writer, winemaker extraordinaire and its loaded with classic savoury peppery meaty notes that wrap around the prune, baked berries … Read More

Milcrest Estate Nelson Syrah 2014 $40

5 July 2018By Yvonne

Milcrest Estate Nelson Syrah 2014 $40 Give that glass a good swirl to inject a whoomph (technical term there) of oxygen and warmth into the wine to release the bright boysenberry, intense florals, peppercorn and tobacco characters.  The acidity is juicy-fresh and feisty, the tannins are prickly and chewy and there’s a squeak of smoke … Read More

Redmetal Vineyards Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015 $20 ★★★½

5 April 2017By Yvonne

Intense blueberry and bay leaf aromatics, stacks of peppercorn, cocoa and plummy notes.  Warming and velvety in the mouth – plump and saucy yet elegantly poised.  Baking spices and smoky, nutty notes on the finish.  Give it a few minutes to open up in the glass and you’ll be rewarded for sure. www.redmetalvineyards.co.nz

Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Crofters Syrah 2015 $22 ★★★½

5 April 2017By Yvonne

If you’re after pure peppercorn and light violet layers in your syrah then you’ve come to the right place. A brisk, sandy texture in the mid-palate and some punchy plum and boysenberry fruit forces its way across the tongue and around the back teeth. The finish is juicy and bright, moderately spicy and definitely nicey. … Read More

Millars Vineyard Syrah 2014 $25 (4.5 stars)

4 April 2017By Yvonne

Take the little bendy track called Bush Lane above Mangawhai beach, and you’ll find the small but perfectly formed vineyard belonging to Ross Millar. He grows tiny amounts of darn lovely wine and this syrah is no exception. Ultra-pure peppercorn characters on the nose merge with lifted violet, dark cherry, blueberry and juicy, succulent fruit … Read More

Kaimira Estate Nelson Syrah 2011 $38 (3.5 stars)

3 April 2017By Yvonne

A highly savoury wine, with aromas of cured meats, black olive and peppercorn dominating the nose and then coursing through onto the palate.  Rooibos tea, dark cocoa and just the most subtle hints of rhubarb and leather also soak through, leaving a richly complex mouthfeel behind.  Mellow and warming on the finish.  Sip with:  Lamb … Read More

Dunleavy The Grafter Waiheke Island Syrah 2014 $45.90 (4.5 stars)

30 March 2017By Yvonne

Brothers Paul, John and Mike Dunleavy are at the helm of the company alongside their father Terry Dunleavy MBE – this family have championed island syrah since the get-go. If there was a ‘Waiheke’s Got Talent’ contest, I’d DEFINITELY text in my vote for syrah. Aged for 12 months in smoky French oak, this syrah … Read More

Millars Vineyard Syrah 2014 $25 4.5 stars

5 November 2016By Yvonne

Millars Vineyard Syrah 2014 $25 (4.5 stars) Take the little bendy track called Bush Lane above Mangawhai beach, and you’ll find the small but perfectly formed vineyard belonging to Ross Millar. He grows tiny amounts of darn lovely wine and this syrah is no exception. Ultra-pure peppercorn characters on the nose merge with lifted violet, … Read More