Posted: May 1, 2019
This Hawke’s Bay red is hard to resist. Matured for 18 months in French oak barriques (30% new), it is dark and softly mouthfilling, with beautifully rich, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, and a velvet-smooth, lasting finish. Likely to…
Comments Off on Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2016 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
This medium-bodied, vibrantly fruity red is deep ruby, with a distinctly spicy bouquet. Estate-grown and French oak-aged for a year, it is still developing, with ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, fresh acidity, and savoury notes adding complexity. Open 2020+. $28
Comments Off on Waitapu Estate Reef View Northland Syrah 2015 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
Delicious now but also well worth cellaring, this dark, sturdy red has concentrated plum and black pepper flavours, with a hint of liquorice. Fragrant and spicy, it has slightly earthy notes adding complexity and a long, structured finish. $45
Comments Off on Awaroa Waiheke Island Syrah 2016 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
Soft peppery varietal fruit nose and warm rounded juicy fruit palate with a vibrant finish. 3-5
Comments Off on Lerida Estate Cullerin Canberra District Syrah 2018 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
Interesting nose – smells of black plums and cold meats with a well balanced savoury based palate and fine tannins.
Comments Off on Mr Riggs Piebald Adelaide Hills Syrah 2017 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
Bright vibrant red wine with lots of oak on the nose and a drying oak driven tannic palate with some berry fruits pushing through.
Comments Off on Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: May 1, 2019
Old fashioned claret-like style of shiraz with a lifted floral/peppery bouquet and sweet fruit flavours with a dash of pepper.
Comments Off on Zarephath Wines Single Vineyard Great Southern Porongurup Syrah 2017 / 0 View / May 1, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
With its lifted, peppery, fragrant bouquet, this is a strongly varietal red. Blended with a splash of viognier (2%) and barrel-aged for 15 months, it is full-coloured and mouthfilling, with very good concentration of fresh, youthful, plummy, spicy flavours, supple,…
Comments Off on Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / March 7, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
Attractive peppery lift to the perfumed fruity nose and a straightforward palate with fruity flavours.
Comments Off on Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017 / 0 View / March 7, 2019
Posted: March 7, 2019
Vibrant peppery fruit fragrances with a fresh lively dark fruit palate showing some peppery notes.
Comments Off on Haha Hawkes Bay Syrah 2018 / 0 View / March 7, 2019
Posted: November 7, 2018
Cool climate style with beautifully lifted spicy/peppery aromatics and lovely cherry/berry-like varietal fruit flavours. Restrained oak. 3-5
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Dense purple wine – big and generous with a beautiful nose of pretty mulberry and violet fragrances. Soft balance of fruit and oak on the palate with a green note.
Comments Off on Riversdale Estate Coal River Valley Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
With its full, bright, youthful colour and plummy, peppery aromas, this is a clearly varietal red. Medium-bodied, it is vibrantly fruity, with good depth of spicy flavours and gentle tannins. Best drinking 2019-2020. $22
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Drinking well now, but still unfolding, this is a deep ruby, fragrant, medium-bodied red. Plummy and spicy, with good depth, a touch of complexity and gentle tannins, it is moderately complex and well worth cellaring to 2019-20. $20
Comments Off on Babich Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Designed principally for ‘on-premise’ consumption, this deep ruby red was French oak-aged for seven months. Fresh and supple, it is medium-bodied, with vibrant berry, plum and black pepper flavours, a hint of tamarillo, and a slightly nutty, smooth finish. Enjoyable…
Comments Off on Babich Black Label Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Still unfolding, this is a full-bodied, vibrantly fruity red, with invitingly deep, youthful colour. Elegant and clearly varietal, it has good concentration of plummy, spicy flavours, and the structure to mature gracefully. $25
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Already enjoyable, this is a skilfully crafted red, full-coloured, with a floral bouquet. It has strong plum and spice flavours, in a clearly varietal, but savoury, style that shows impressive complexity, harmony and potential. Best drinking 2020+. $28
Comments Off on Saint Clair James Sinclair Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Already approachable, this graceful, supple red is full-coloured, with a plummy, spicy fragrance. It has strong plum and black pepper flavours , in a clearly varietal, elegant style. $50
Comments Off on Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Looking for a good, affordable syrah? This skilfully crafted red has bright, youthful colour, good density of ripe, plummy, spicy flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and a well-rounded finish. Drink now or cellar. $22
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
This fresh, full-bodied red was grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and French oak-aged for eight months. Deep ruby, it has strong, plummy, spicy flavours, showing good complexity, and a backbone of fine-grained tannins. A ‘forward’ vintage, it should be…
Comments Off on Babich Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Delivering excellent value, this refined young red was matured for 18 months in barrels (30% new). Full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, with good density of plummy, peppery flavour and a long, spicy finish. Best drinking 2020+. $23
Comments Off on Askerne Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Well worth cellaring, this elegant red has deep, purple-flushed colour and an inviting, floral bouquet. Full-bodied, it has ripe plum and black pepper flavours, showing excellent vibrancy and depth, finely integrated oak and a good foundation of tannin. Best drinking…
Comments Off on Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A good drink-now or cellaring proposition, this Gimblett Gravels red is deeply coloured and full-bodied. Sweet-fruited, it has concentrated, vibrant plum and black pepper flavours, a subtle seasoning of oak, good complexity and a finely textured finish. Best drinking 2020+….
Comments Off on Te Awa Single Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Priced right, this single-vineyard red is deeply coloured, full-bodied and well structured. It has fresh, concentrated plum and spice flavours, a hint of black pepper, fine-grained tannins and impressive complexity. Open 2021+. $28
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Chalk Ridge Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
Built for cellaring, this ‘old vine’ Gimblett Gravels red was barrique-matured. Deep and bright in colour, with a fragrant, plummy, peppery bouquet, it is a full-bodied, clearly varietal wine, concentrated, savoury, complex and structured. Best drinking 2021+. $55
Comments Off on Smith & Sheth Cru Omahu Syrah 2015 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
This classy young red was grown in the Cornerstone Vineyard, hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 15 months in French oak barriques. Dark and purple-flushed, with fragrant plum and spice aromas, it is sturdy and well structured, with…
Comments Off on Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: November 7, 2018
A drink-young charmer, this is a medium-bodied blend with fullish colour and fresh, berryish flavours. Fruity and smooth, it’s a very easy-drinking style. Best 2019. $18
Comments Off on Waimea Cabernet Franc/ Nelson Syrah 2017 / 0 View / November 7, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A well made wine with a lifted spicy berry nose and vibrant cherry flavours with a dash of spice.
Comments Off on Vidal Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A distinctive, spicy and herbaceous, cool climate style with firm drying tannins.
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
The dark berry fruit aromas are a tad masked by the oak and the fine tannins tend to dominate the big flavoursome fruit palate.
Comments Off on Scion Terravinia Gooramadda Rutherglen Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Light purple wine with spicy peppery fruit aromas and an elegant peppery fruit palate with subtle tannins.
Comments Off on Lerida Estate Cullerin Canberra District Syrah 2017 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Fresh red berry bouquet with herbal/stalky notes. The palate is tight, elegant and very fresh.
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Amazingly youthful blueberry freshness on the nose with nice use of sweet oak to balance. The palate is firm, fresh and still looks young. Has plenty of cellaring potential.
Comments Off on Vidal Legacy Hawkes Bay Syrah 2014 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Complex peppery aromas with confectionery fruit notes. Very tight astringent palate with slight green acid finish. Just needs time.
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Nice example of a cool climate syrah with peppery herbaceous bouquet and an elegant, spicy, peppery palate with slightly green tannins. 5+
Comments Off on Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Big, warm and complex with powerful tertiary characters, lots of grip and persistence.
Comments Off on Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2010 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A peppery lift to the beetroot/sour cherry bouquet and a tight firm tannic palate.
Comments Off on Te Awa Single Estate Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A big tannic wine; lovely deep red hues with spicy red fruit aromatics and firm tannins.
Comments Off on Mr Riggs Piebald Adelaide Hills Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A lovely lifted bouquet with a richness of sour cherries, forest floor, violets and spices with the richness translating onto the alluring well balanced earthy/minerally palate.
Comments Off on Elysian Springs Spring Lamb Adelaide Hills Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A powerful complex mix of raisin, sultana and fruit cake spice aromas. Lovely soft palate with beautiful toasty oak and rich spicy fruit cake fruits. Lingering astringent finish. 3-5
Comments Off on Dell’uva Wines Barossa Syrah 2012 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Slight medicinal characters to the perfumed fruit nose and a touch meaty on the palate.
Comments Off on Chain Of Ponds Graves Gate Adelaide Hills Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Nose of fresh raspberries with a dash of licorice and hints of violets. Delicate perfumed palate.
Comments Off on C&J Wines Erth Heathcote Syrah 2017 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
“Wow”, was one judge’s enthusiastic response to this wine! Nose is an inviting and complex integration of rich black fruits and new oak. Superb sweet “red velvet” palate. 5+
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Adelaide Hills Syrah 2016 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
A lively youthful quaffer with brambly aromas and simple, slightly green acid, palate.
Comments Off on The Stoke Wines French For Shiraz Kangaroo Island Syrah 2017 / 0 View / October 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Very perfumed; lots of cracked black pepper plus a whiff of roasting meat. Black fruit with a nice lift of new oak. Sweetly fruited and just starting to show some mushroomy development. Long finish. $31.00
Comments Off on Terrace Edge Syrah 2016 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Strongly varietal with cracked pepper, boysenberry and black berry and a little hint of meaty reduction. An appealing floral lift. Tannins are really quite pronounced and firm but should settle down with some time in bottle. $25.00
Comments Off on Sacred Hill Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2017 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Aromatic complexity of chocolate, stewed rhubarb and vanilla. Oak more expressive on the palate with nicely integrated dark fruit flavours.
Comments Off on Allinda Limited Release Yarra Valley Syrah 2016 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Almost black in colour with a complex nose of fresh licorice, blueberries and meaty nuances. Generous palate rich with ripe fruit flavours, dark chocolate and aniseed. 3-5
Comments Off on Allinda Limited Release Yarra Valley Syrah 2017 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: July 4, 2018
Quite elegant and more savoury in character with nice spiciness. Cedary aromas and flavours of Maraschino cherries.
Comments Off on Jericho Adelaide Hills Syrah 2015 / 0 View / July 4, 2018
Posted: May 2, 2018
Darkly fruited with some plum and bitter cherry and a dusting of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on the nose. Softish tannins but a firm acid spine lifts the fruit and gives freshness and poise. $39.95
Comments Off on The Landing Syrah 2013 / 0 View / May 2, 2018