Although some of these tasting notes may be found elsewhere on this site, this page brings together most of my Shiraz notes, listed alphabetically by Producer. Click here for rating systems and abbreviations.

Alpha Domus Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Deep ruby, not quite opaque, with a peppery, spicy aroma and spicy, creamy blueberry and cherry flavours. A lighter style but a great little juicy quaffer with hints of chocolate and a long, fragrant aftertaste. 12.5% alc. $27. 9Oct2007.

Awaroa Organic Vineyard Waiheke Island Syrah 2006 (c) Massive colour of crimson, purple black. Exotic, fragrant and floral with spice, tar, smoky cedar and liquorice aromas - this wine emanates concentration on the nose and is focussed and concentrated in the palate with pepper, rosehip, all spice, tar, anise and cedar. A big wine with big tannins that are fine in their delivery and a Rhonish complexity to the lingering finish, it is simply outstanding with a voluptuous seductiveness and excellent potential 13.5% alc. $45.00 22Jul2007.

Babich Winemakers Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (D) Deep purple-red colour, intense and opaque. Slightly tarry, earthy, savoury aromas with hints of rose petals and a ton of white pepper. It's tarry, earthy, savoury and spicy to the taste with black nugget, sweet cedary oak, fine grainy tannins, wild blackberries, hints of liquorice and a lovely floral lift to the bitter chocolate finish. It's smooth, ripe and creamy with a well-balanced combination of sweet, savoury and spicy and the peppery character that is so flamboyant on the nose is there all the way through. It's been matured in French and American oak and is an excellent accompaniment to Merlot and Cracked Pepper sausages. 12.5% alc. $25.95. 22Jun2007.

Coopers Creek SV 'Chalk Ridge' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Inky black red with exotic spices on the nose and spicy flavours. It's full of pepper, allspice, blackberry, boysenberry, and chocolate with cocoa-like tannins. It's a big wine with an opulence to the creamy texture and the finish is all black cherries, earth, spice and dried herbs. 2.68% Viognier was co-fermented with the Syrah. 13.5% alc. $25. 13Oct2007.
Inky black red, shiny in appearance, this aromatic, bright-scented wine has upfront flavours of creamy oak, chocolate, juicy blackberry and sweet black cherry fruit with the signature pepper of Syrah strumming gently in the background until exploding like fireworks on the vibrant finish. Co-fermented with 2.5% Viognier, which makes the tannins slippery in texture, there's a pleasing jaffa-like allure throughout. One of the great buys in New Zealand Syrah. 13.5% alc. $23.99. 30Jan2008.

Corbans Cottage Block Hawke's Bay Syrah 2006 Concentrated black crimson, vibrant and shiny in appearance. Wow – smell the pepper on the nose - freshly crushed black pepper and wild rose scents that carry through to the spicy, savoury palate. Tight-knit and concentrated at this stage of its life with loads and loads of spice, juicy blackberry fruit, cherry chocolate, hints of anise and a succulent, savoury finish, it was matured in French oak, 40% new. 13% alc. $33.99. 30Jan2008.
Deep purple black colour with vivid crimson rims, it's screams 'New Zealand' with its profound cracked blacked pepper and spicy oak scents that carry though to the big rich palate with cow pats, blue berries, dusty tannins, dried herbs, moderate acidity and an earthy finish. 13% alc. $29.99. 16Apr2008.

Ngatarawa Silks Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Spicy smelling with black cherry and savoury dried herbs, it's earthy and savoury to the taste with black fruit and peppery spices. A light, simple style with a soft, juicy finish. 12.5% alc. $22. 9Oct2007.

Passage Rock Reserve Waiheke Island Syrah 2006 (sc) Deep, purple black in colour, this wine exudes opulence with its spicy, pepper-infused savoury oak aromas and it big, rich, ripe, creamy oak, juicy purple fruit and sweet, spicy flavours. A sumptuous wine made with a combination of French and American oak, the pepper signature of Syrah is prominent throughout. Stunning as always. 14.5% alc. $52.99. 30Jan2008.

Sacred Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006 (sc) Deep purple red with a spicy aroma full of aromatic spices, dried herbs and orange zest, it tastes soft, ripe and creamy with rich cherry fruit, red jelly babies and purple jube flavours underpinned with chicory and spice. Soft, juicy and very approachable, it has that distinctive NZ Syrah character, the tar and roses, the white pepper with allspice and creamy oak adding to its allure. Soft tannins and medium-bodied in style. 13% alc. $19.95. 1 May2007.

Silver Bay Northland Syrah 2006 (sc) Lovely ripe, creamy, chocolate and vanilla aroma and bright, fruity, sweet and savoury flavours. It's juicy with a savoury, leathery undercurrent to the nutty oak and macerated cherry flavours with an anise spiciness. Medium-bodied in style and just a little short, but has a bright, fruity charm. The fruit comes from From Paewhenua Island, just south of Coopers Beach in the Mangonui Harbour, and it's made by Karikari Estate. Excellent value. 13% alc. $19. 7Oct2007.

Stone Paddock Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Copious amounts of white pepper on the nose together with a peppery, carnation-like scent give no doubt to the variety. It tastes earthy, savoury and liquoricey with smooth tannins. Perhaps a slight metallic edge to the flavour and loads of spicy, peppery bite, it opens up well with time in the bottle to impart a juicy, cherry/choc sweetness to balance the savouriness on the smooth, creamy finish. 14% alc. $23. 7Jan2008.

Te Mania Nelson Syrah 2006 (D) Lovely and fragrant on the nose with hints of rose spice, it’s ripe and juicy in the palate with the floral prettiness of Syrah adding to the varietal spicy character of the grape. For the price this medium-bodied wine delivers. It has length and persistence with a fresh, floral aftertaste and a little bit of an earthy depth. 12.5% alc. $21.90. 4Sep2007.
Deep, rich and meaty with musk and violet overlay to the delicately spicy aromas. Rich and succulent, dry and full of peppery spice in the palate. It's bright and uplifted to the taste with raspberry fruit, a smooth silky tannin structure that has an enveloping slipperiness and a very succulent and delicious aftertaste which has length and juiciness. Medium-bodied in style, with a little more concentration, this would have been a gold medal wine. ****. 12.5% alc. $21.95. 7Oct2007.

Te Mata Bullnose Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 Deep blackberry red. The nose entices with its complex scent that is reminiscent of freshly ground pepper, tar, creamy oak, rose spice, brambles, cherries and hints of dried herbs. Gorgeously creamy as it flows through the mouth with silky-smooth, velvet-edged tannins and flavours full of bright red and black fruits and exotic spices with chicory, tar and liquorice on the concentrated, smoky, slightly charry, peppery finish. Very dry, but with a lushness just waiting to be released, it just needs a little more time. 13.5% alc. $39.99. Cork.12Mar2008.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Moderately deep blackberry red. Loads of white and black pepper on the nose with a delicate floral nuance and concentrated brambly fruit. Very dry to the taste, dry and savoury with a touch of chicory but a remarkably smooth and slippery texture that counteracts the initial dry grippiness . It evolves so beautifully in the glass with cherry, spiced plums, aniseed, fine-grained tannins and a lovely balance to the long lasting finish. Co-fermented with 5% Viognier . 13% alc. $22.99.12Mar2008.

Trinity Hill Homage Hawke's Bay Syrah 2006 (c) Deep boysenberry red, opaque and deep. Dark, rich, succulent and savoury on the nose with exotic spices and concentrated berry fruit - peppery spices introduce the palate of this exciting wine. It's succulent and savoury, dark and intriguing with purple and black fruits, youthful velvety tannins, leather, spice, musk, rose, a creamy richness and a density and weight that is rarely seen. Mostly French oak with some American, the best grapes from the vintage were selected and just 310 dozen bottles were produced. 14% alc. $122.00. 30Jan2008.

Trinity Hill White Label Shiraz 2006 (sc) Not overtly peppery on the nose, it smells like a sweet-fruited, ripe, juicy red wine but there's some grippiness to the tannins and some earthiness to the taste. It opens up with time in the bottle and reveals rich, juicy, winey flavours full of pepper, spice, tar and chocolate, empower the wine and expand on the palate . What it lacks on the nose, it makes up for in taste. 13% alc. $20. 7Jan2008.

Vidal Estate Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Deep intense boysenberry red, opaque and bright, this is so cut-and-dried Syrah with its black pepper and black fruit scents with a hint of liquorice and a touch of funky leather. Full-bodied, succulent, classy and full of finesse with a hint of mint joining the chocolate, tar, boysenberry and plum, with a juicy and succulence that just makes it so appealing, it's hard to believe this is only the second tier wine in the Vidal range. 14% alc. $25.99.5Mar2008.

Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006 (sc) Deep boysenberry/blackberry red, huge in colour and huge in aroma and flavour. There' a deep varnishy oak character and a hint of menthol to aroma and sweet ripe purple and red jubey-fruit flavours with a pronounced peppery undercurrent. It's juicy, succulent and generous with creamy oak, liquorice, tar, leather and a refined tannin structure and a mouthfilling but very dry finish. 14% alc. $63.99.5Mar2008.

Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Syrah 2006 (sc) Rich and dense in its saturated purple crimson colour. Bright, inviting aromas with cherry, pepper, chocolate and later hints of coconut oak and deep, concentrated flavours that have a vanillin lift to the long, full, juicy sweet finish. A dry wine with a grainy tannin structure, lots of sweet spices, hints of nutmeg, chocolate wheaten biscuits, succulent plum and cherry fruit and a plush velvety richness to the savoury spicy oak, it's still a baby but the excellence is definitely there. Made by Obsidian, it was aged in 40% new American oak and 60% seasoned oak for 12 months. 14% alc. $29.50. 7Oct2007.

Awaroa Organic Vineyard Waiheke Island Syrah 2005 (c) Inky blackberry red. Intensely concentrated aromas of black fruit, creamy oak and cherries. Powerful in the palate, dark and savoury with a focussed spicy impression of nutmeg and allspice with hints of pepper and rose musk and blueberry and blackberry fruit. Rich, thick and chocolatey with a silky tannin structure and a long, savoury, rose pepper finish. Dried herbs and tobacco emerge to give the wine a savoury Rhonish complexity and the sweet fruit flourishes again on the aftertaste. 15.3% alc. $45.00 22Jul2007.

Bilancia 'La Collina' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (D) Deep bright purple crimson with a violet richness to the hue. On the nose it's rich, ripe and succulent smelling with abundant rose pepper and a marzipan overlay to the concentrated sweet berry fruit scents. A huge wine in the palate, floral and spicy, hot and peppery, dry and silky with red and black berry fruits, a plushness to the powerful meaty tannins and a lovely depth of dark, savoury oak. Violets emerge on the focussed, fragrant finish that has excellent persistence and a subtle hint of anise with chocolate and cream. With 22 months in French Burgundy barrels (90% new), it's very young and needs time to evolve. 2% Viognier. 14% alc. $80. 7Oct2007.

CJ Pask Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2005 (sc) A robust, soft, low acid style with abundant red fruit and lashings of rose pepper and tar with chocolatey oak that adds a creaminess to the lifted finish. It's earthy and savoury with depth, concentration, firm tannins and some earthy, pinot noir-like, nuances as well. 13% alc. $22. 23Dec2006.

Corbans Private Bin Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Purple-red coloured, deep and reasonably dense like shiny berries, it smells peppery, leathery and nuggety with earthy nuances, spiced plums and hints of sweet oak. Deliciously ripe and juicy, crammed with flavours of succulent berries, plums, polished French oak, lots of spice that includes anise, allspice and black pepper and hints of bitter chocolate, it's well structured and perfumed with a firm acid backbone, a silky texture and a long, earthy, savoury finish. Medium to full-bodied in style, it's really hitting its straps now. 13.5% alc. $23.95. 22Feb2007.

Cottage Block Hawke's Bay Syrah 2005 Deep, intense, vibrant purple black with purple edges. Exotic musky spices, white pepper, cherry and tarry oak on the nose and dry, peppery flavours with hints of dried herbs, and plums and violets emerging on the long, spicy, flavoursome finish. 13% alc. $28.99. 21Mar2007.

Craggy Range Block 14 Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) Inky, boysenberry red, purple-black in the core and almost right to the dazzling brilliant crimson edges. Syrah's hallmark pepper emanates out of the glass together with dark purple fruits and hints of liquorice and there are lashings of black pepper flavours together with leather, red and purple berries, rose spice and tar. It's a savoury wine with drying tannins balanced by an overall juiciness and an array of flavours on the finish - liquorice, smoke, tobacco, berries and floral spices. A fascinating wine with freshness and vitality. From the Gimblett Gravels sub region with 16 months in French oak. 13% alc. $37.99. 28Mar2007.
Deep and dark in both colour and taste, the nose is slightly marred by 'Brett' aromas that take a while to reveal the distinctive black pepper that soon emerges from the tarry depth. A big style of peppery NZ Syrah, ripe and creamy, full-bodied and rich with dark berry fruit balancing the abundant savoury characters. 13% alc. $38. 2Jun2007.

Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) Deep black cherry red with a brightness to the inky hue, this has a deep, complex perfumed aroma with white pepper and hints of rose spice. Quite dry to the taste, medium-bodied in intensity with savoury oak, hints of bacon, rose petals, red fruit, a touch of leather, a hint of tar and a peppery array of spices with hints of anise lingering on the finish which seems a little hot. I'd like to see this develop and integrate a little more. 13.5% alc. $24. 14Aug2007.

Esk Valley Reserve Hawke's Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) Inky, crimson-edged, lustrous purple black colour, fine in its appearance. It exudes exotic spices with liquorice, black pepper, fresh lavender and it's ripe and creamy, soft and seductive, with juicy purple berry fruit, violets, lavender, chocolatey oak, meaty tannins and a long, juicy, lingering finish. It's very dry, very exotic, very smart and very moreish. 20 months in French oak, 50% new. 14.5% alc. $49.99. 21Mar2007.
Deep in colour, this is distinctly an elegant style of Kiwi Syrah with a black pepper, tar and rose fragrance and a rich, ripe taste of liqueur cherries with a hint of mint, peppery spice and Syrah's distinctive florals coming through in a very nice kind of way. It's savoury and sweet at the same time, with firm tannins and a dry finish. A very attractive wine. French oak. 50% new. 14.5% alc. $50. 2Jun2007.
Deep in its purple black colour with black pepper grind scents and red berry fruits on the nose, it's spicy, savoury, meaty and initially earthy to the taste. Concentrated purple fruits, spice and tar then lavender and dried herbs adding a floral allure, it seems Rhonish in style but this savoury, complex and concentrated beast morphs into a beauty on the finish where peppered chocolate infused with a cherry sweetness lingers minutes after the wine is swallowed. Matured in French oak for 18 months. 14.5% alc. $49.99. 21Nov2007.

Gunn Estate Hawkes Bay Silistria Syrah 2005 (sc) Deep dark red. Voluptuous creamy vanillin oak and cherry chocolate on the nose - floral notes and flower musk emerge with deep inhaling. Rich, savoury and meaty in the palate, intense and concentrated with a spicy undercurrent, a crisp blackberry fruitiness, a cherry-filled Shrewsbury biscuit backbone and chocolate and mocha on the full-bodied finish. Ripe and voluptuous with reasonably grunty fine textured tannins giving the wine power, there's an elegance to its delivery and with its sweet oak, it's appealing throughout. 13.5% alc. $29.95 22Jul2007.

John Forrest Collection Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 Vividly coloured - a boysenberry, crimson-edged red. Musk and pepper on the nose, juicy red fruits in the palate, quite grippy, velvet-edged tannins and gorgeous aromatic spice. Oak is warm and toasty and the finish is very dry. It looks very good but I'd like to give it more time. Decant if drinking now. 14% alc. $70. 26Jul2007.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Syrah 2005 Rose pepper and creamy cedar on nose, tight knit but succulent with cherry and blueberry fruit - perhaps more red fruits - and a long dry finish. Length and flavour. Nicely balanced not OTT. Viognier adds charm and smooth silky texture. 14% alc. $32. 9Oct2006.

Mills Reef Elspeth Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 An absolutely captivating aroma, but it tastes so tight, tight, tight - it must be given more time. It's a wine of focus, length and varietal character with its spicy backbone and hints of chocolate and cherry, a gorgeously silky texture and a floral lift to the finish. The oak is subtle rather than dominating - it’s the chorus in the background letting the shiraz fruit and spice play the starring roles. It's going to be a star. 14% alc. $39.95. 29Jan2007.

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 Deep dark red with a savoury, meaty, winey aroma infused with vanillin oak, and full-bodied, spicy flavours with good acidity, fine-grained firm-textured meaty tannins, a iron-like earthiness and dark, succulent fruit with a touch of allspice on the juicy, savoury finish. A very impressive wine. 13.5% alc. $22.95. 19Jan2007.

Mission Reserve Syrah 2005 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (D) A soft little number with subtle mint, cherry and creamy biscuity oak on the nose - it becomes quite floral with persistent swirling. It's soft and seductive in the palate with smooth tannins, white pepper, rose petals, leather, a hint of tar and very good length. I thought it was Australian at first, but it is not nearly so in your face. In fact it is typical of the style of a medium to full-bodied NZ syrah. Matured in French oak. 13.5% alc. $18.99. 17Jan2007.
Dark red with medium depth of colour, it's distinctly New Zealand with white pepper and rose petal coming through the creamy oak on the nose followed up by cherry and blackboy peach in the palate. A spicy, savoury, medium-bodied style with hints of dried herbs, a purple fruit finish and liquorice on the aftertaste. Matured in French oak. 13.5% alc. $18.99. 25Apr2007.

Ngatarawa Glazebrook Syrah 2005 (sc) This rich dry wine is deep purple red with pepper and dark cedary aromas and robust flavours. Dry tannin structure, juicy undercurrent, a very long sweet oak finish with vanilla, cherry and a lingering aftertaste of cinnamon and peppery spices. 13.5% alc. $27. 9Oct2006.

Okahu Estate Shipwreck Bay Northland Syrah 2005 (sc) Rich and spicy scented with sweet fruit and a slightly earthy, funky vanillin edge, the generous flavours of wild berries, blue berries, pot pourri and mulled wine spices will make this juicy little quaffer appeal to money conscious wine buyer. It offers great drinkability without too much varietal character but will give any Aussie 'quaffer' a run for the money. 13% alc. $16. 7Jan2008.

Passage Rock Reserve Waiheke Island Syrah 2005, a just-bottled but not-yet-released wine, is going to be a super star - mark my words. It's deep plummy red with opulent aromas of creamy vanillin oak and blackberries leading into a dry spicy palate with bitter chocolate, cedar, cigar and violets. There's a lovely spicy undercurrent and a long, creamy, chocolatey finish. It distinctly shows the varietal characters of Syrah along with silky tannins and delicious, ripe fruit. 14.5% alc. $50. 11Feb2006.
Vivid inky purple red with a spice-infused smoky, cedar aroma and masses of spice in the palate - pepper, allspice, cinnamon, anise and liquorice - laced with sweet vanillin oak, concentrated plum and blueberry fruit and violets, it's robust and powerful with firm but succulent meaty tannins and a biscuity backbone. It's got more richness, more tannins, more length and more $$$ on the label (than the other Passage Rock Syrah) - but it's worth it. A wine to seduce you now and for a long time into the future.14.5% alc. $52.99. Screwcap. 6Sep2006.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Syrah 2005 (sc) Vivid, inky purple red with a smoky, cedary aroma, a gorgeous tannin structure, depth of flavour and length, this is huge wine loaded with spices, blueberry and black cherry fruit, liquorice, anise and toasted sweet oak. With plenty of warmth and richness and fantastic cellaring potential, it's a steal at the price. 14.5% alc. $31.99. Screwcap. 6Sep2006.
Dark, shiny black red, fully opaque to the dark red rims. A big wine with a fragrant, sweet oaked spicy aroma with hints of orange peel and mint and rich, complex, full-bodied flavours full of bright red berry and blackberry fruit with a creamy, vanilla chocolate backbone, a touch of leather and tar and succulent juicy tannins with a grainy edge. 14.5% alc. $31.99. 18Jul2007.

Sacred Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) Bright pinky-red coloured, this has a lovely floral, dry peppery fragrance and good definition of bright cherry and raspberry fruit in the juicy palate with fruit cake spices and a soft finish. However, if served too cold it seems to lack generosity and roundness. 13% alc. $19.95. 16Jun2006.

Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2005 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (sc) Deep purple black, opaque to the crimson edges, the aroma is savoury and peppery with hints of rose spice and the taste is dry and peppery, tarry and nuggetty with beautifully fine grained tannins, wood smoke and savoury dried herbs balancing the dark plummy fruit. A very smart wine with opulence, concentration and power, it's been matured in French oak for 16 months and is very much in the mould of a northern Rhone style. 13.5% alc. $60.99. 11Apr2007.

Southbank Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (c) Smoky, spicy, musky and peppery with a nuggety richness, thie aromas are deep and complex but it is a little one-dimensional to the taste. It has loads of pepper but is quite high-toned and a little dry and bitter on the finish. However, with time in the bottle, a softness and creaminess emerges. 12.5% alc. $24.99. 7Jan2008.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) You can smell and taste the pepper in this fabulous deep plummy red, crimson edged wine. It's fresh and vibrant with creamy oak, black fleshed peach, wild blackberries, a little bit of grip to the tannins on the finish and just a nuance of musk with very good length and fruit sweetness as it lingers. Medium-bodied in style, it is made from a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, although the latter is no longer mentioned on the label. 13.5% alc. $25.99. 18Oct2006.

Te Mata Bullnose Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 Dense crimson red with bright edges, it's tantalisingly fragrant with creamy oak, subtle pepper and spice box on the nose. Full-boded in style, it's spicy, long and savoury with chocolate, damson plums and rose spice (which you get on your fingers after cutting a rose from a bush). Still a baby with its tight, complex structure, firm acidity underpins the wine and dried herbs and that rose spice character linger deliciously on the succulent creamy finish. Intense, fine, lively and very very good. 13.5% alc. $43.99. Cork. 18Oct2006.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (D) Deep blueberry jam red. Fragrant with rich, sweet, jammy, black pepper and dried herb aromas and quite dry in the sweet-fruited, medium-bodied palate with raspberry, cherry, toasty vanillin oak and tar, firm tannins and a bitter rosehip-like finish which becomes quite peppery as it lingers. Young, succulent and juicy - it's a little reminiscent of a modern Spanish Garnacha - but it ain't. 13.5% alc. $30.99. 11Jul2007.

Unison Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (D) Deep purple violet red with a lustrous glow, this intense, deep, complex, meaty wine smells aromatic and spicy, even a little citrussy! It's dry to the taste, dry and savoury with silky, fine-grained, dusty tannins, abundant cedary oak, a hint of citrus, cocoa, leather, tar and chicory with concentrated spiced plum and cherry fruit sweetness on the full-bodied lingering, smoky finish. A fascinating wine with many waves of flavours. 14% alc. $36.99. 31Jan2007.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Syrah 2005 (sc) Opulent purple/red, deep and shiny. Vibrant black pepper on the nose with a hint of a marmite character and savoury, spicy, peppery and earthy flavours with plum jam, liquorice, chocolate and iodine with a hint of tar and a suggestion of wild roses. Deep and profound but still very tight in its tannin structure. 13.5% alc. $36.99. 13Feb2008.

William Thomas Marlborough Syrah 2005 (c) Saturated colour of ripe blackberries picked straight off the vine. Deliciously varietal with its distinct Syrah aroma of freshly ground black pepper and liquorice. Full-bodied and bright in the palate with red fruits, chocolate, cherries, dried herbs, tar and leather, it goes from rich and spicy to dry and savoury to creamy to smoky as it swathes a tasty path across the palate. Mouthfilling and long with fruit brightness on the velvety aftertaste, this is quite sensational for its Marlborough origin. 14.5% alc. $50.00 22Jul2007.

Awhitu Greenock Syrah 2004 (c) A light coloured wine with a smoky, savoury aroma and a savoury, lightly spicy flavour with an earthy depth. The fruit is in the strawberry / cherry spectrum. It reminded me of a lighter styled pinot noir. 13% alc. $29.70. 14Oct2007.

Bilancia La Collina Syrah 2004 - Hawkes Bay Dense purple violet. Beautiful aroma of flowers, spiced cherry, subtle chocolate, pepper and savoury oak tantalise the nose and concentrated fruit flavours of raisin, red and purple berries and juicy plums underpinned by a plethora of spices and succulent firm silky tannins seduce the palate. So intense, so concentrated - a very powerful full-bodied wine with a firm acid backbone and dark dusty savoury oak harmonising with the fruit and culminating in a warm ripe finish with a savoury, tarry aftertaste that has a peppery flourish and mouthfilling blackberry. Talk about vinfanticide, it seems such a shame to drink it so young, but it had to be done. 14% alc. $87. 17Nov2006.

Bridge Pa Vineyard Hawke's Bay Syrah 2004 (c) Biscuity, wheaty (oaty), a strong full wine with rich berry fruit, cedary oak, a sliver of honey/glycerol that adds to the fantastic mouthfeel and a deliciously spicy finish with a succulent and richly fruity aftertaste. 14% alc. $27.95. 1Sep2005.
Vibrant blackberry red (or even more purple). Inky. Fragrant with musk and pepper aromas and sweet, baked blackberry flavours. Lovely mouthfeel. Fruitcake cherries, pepper, liquorice, musk and a long, juicy finish. 9Nov2005.

Bridge Pa Louis Hawke's Bay Syrah 2004 (D) Deep purple red with intriguing, perfumed, spicy aromas of cedar, cinnamon and allspice, this rich, voluptuous, creamy wine has firmly structured but succulent meaty tannins, smoky toasty oak, a touch of chocolate, ripe plum and cherry fruit and hints of violets and rose hips on the dark, long, finish. 14% alc. 42.99. 6Sep2006.
Deep inky red. Aromatic, wine soaked bread and spice box aromas infuse into vanillin cedar that pave the way for voluptuous, full-bodied flavours of cherry and ripe berry fruit with liquorice, cedar, chocolate and seductive velvety tannins that still have a little grip. A hint of musk emerges to linger on the subtle peppery finish. A meaty wine and a stunning example of NZ Syrah. 14% alc. $42.99. 8Nov2006.
Black red in colour, it smells a little herbal on the nose, rosemary perhaps, and leather but it's sweet and juicy to the taste and such a contrast to the previous wine. It's a big wine, a robust wine, powerful and savoury, tarry and chocolatey with chicory and fruit cake spices, firm tannins, sweet oak and a lingering succulent winey finish. Twelve months in French and American oak. 14% alc. $42.99. Diam. 17Jan2007.

Corbans Private Bin Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Purple-red coloured, deep and reasonably dense like shiny berries, it smells peppery, leathery and nuggety with earthy nuances, spiced plums and hints of sweet oak. Deliciously ripe and juicy, crammed with flavours of succulent berries, plums, polished French oak, lots of spice that includes anise, allspice and black pepper and hints of bitter chocolate, it's well structured and perfumed with a firm acid backbone, a silky texture and a long, earthy, savoury finish. Medium to full-bodied in style, it's really hitting its straps now. 13.5% alc. $23.95. 22Feb2007.

Dry River Lovat Syrah 2004 - Martinborough In the glass the wine is a deep pool of purple-red and the aroma it emits is incredibly seductive, aromatic and floral with the peppery scent of carnation, the musky scent of rose, the berry scents of the grape and the spicy scent of oak. It smells warm and savoury with a coating of creamy chocoate that carries through to the palate to add lushness to the spicy flavoured taste. Rich, plush and velvety, full of red fruit with a beautiful array of spices and hints of rose pepper, the oak plays a supporting role in the background and the tannins are firm. An outstanding wine of depth, flavour, balance and length. Highly recommended with venison fillet cooked with a herb and bread crust and accompanied with a red wine and cranberry sauce. 12.5% alc. Release price $58. 16Sep2006.

Fromm La Strada Syrah 2004 (c) From new plantings on the Clayvin Vineyard, this is deep dark cherry red, almost opaque in the centre but not quite. It has rose petal, pepper, leather and tar aromas and sweet, bready fruit in the palate with a red liquorice infusion into the nutmeg and aromatic spices with hints of anise. Firmly structured with silky (grainy) tannins, beautifully integrated dark savoury oak and red fruits flourishing with rose pepper on the finish, like the 2004 reserve, this has 3% Viognier in the blend. 13% alc. $35. 9Mar2006.

Fromm La Strada Reserve Syrah 2004 (c) Deep in colour, like a boysenberry, opaque in the core of the glass and right to the edges where is has an intense violet red hue on the rim. The aromas are full of freshly ground multi-coloured peppercorns and the peppery spices follow through to the palate with leathery tannins. It's very dry with an earthy mystique and a meaty richness, then a succulent fruit sweetness emerges while the 3% Viognier that was co-fermented with the Syrah plays a part in adding muskiness to the lingering aftertaste. Just a baby, it really needs to be cellared for at least two years more before approaching but it has years of life ahead of it and can easily be cellared for at least ten years, perhaps longer. 13% alc. $55. 9Mar2006.

Gunn Estate 'Silistria' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) A deep black-hued red with dark, purple-red rims, fragrant, spicy, peppery aromas and rich, meaty, leathery flavours. Add wild blackberries, rose peppercorns, liquorice, firm tannins and savoury smoky oak with some acidity on the finish that lingers with a musky, meaty fragrance. 14% alc. $19.95. 9Oct2005.

Hatton Estate Syrah 2004 Pre-release sample, just bottled. Intense purple crimson, it shows some reductiveness on the nose at first but that soon goes to reveal grapefruit and acorn-like aromas. It is spicy in the palate with some acidity, grippy tannins, and a floral, pepper and leather aftertaste. It's going to be a blockbuster when it is released. $60. 25Mar2005.

John Forrest Collection Syrah 2004 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (sc) Deep crimson red with a purple-black core. Concentrated bright red fruit and new leather with a whiff of charcoal on the nose and an amalgam of pepper, liquorice and allspice in the palate with cherry, plum and blackberry fruit swimming in chocolate liqueur and a musky rose petal character to the finish. An extravagant wine with powerful yet smooth tannins and beautifully integrated cedary oak. 14% alc. $49.95. 12Jul2006.
Deep purple-red in colour with meaty, spicy, leathery aromas, it's full of succulent fruit flavours with creamy oak, violets, rose spice and white pepper. Full-bodied with smooth, fine, firm structured tannins, it's powerful and stylish with a floral lift to the long, dry finish. 14% alc. $49.99. 31Oct2007.

Karikari Estate Northland Syrah 2004 (sc) Youthful plummy, purple-hued red with crimson rims, a fragrant, meaty aroma with peppery spices, a floral nuance and later chocolate box, and dry peppery flavours with a hint of musk over leather with creamy oak, liquorice, macerated cherries and spice with dusty tannins and a lingering spicy, fragrant finish. Good varietal definition. 12% alc. $26.90. 9Oct2005.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Syrah 2004 Lifted and fragrant with slightly leathery nuances on the front of the dry, floral, peppery palate. The dry texture becomes quite juicy and silky as the wine takes over the mouth and the aftertaste lingers with a touch of cherry and a smidgen of chocolate. A richly fragrant finish no doubt enhanced by the 2% Viognier in the blend. $30. 11Feb2006.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Reserve Syrah 2004 Rich and robust, powerful, full-bodied, dry and spicy, with rose spice nuances, hints of chocolate, cedary oak. Long and full. 13.5 % $45. 9Oct2006.

Matariki Aspire Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Despite its big, rich, cherry red colour this is a lighter style of Syrah with soft tannins over a chocolatey backbone, cherry and plum fruit, fruit cake spice, a salty, slightly herbal (mint / rosemary) nuance and a slightly grippy finish that morphs into fleshy, full aftertaste. Very drinkable at the price and lots of characters that will make it a terrific match to all cuts of lamb. 13% alc. $18.95. 19Jul2006.

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Plum red in colour with pink-red rims. Quite cedary on the nose with an overlay of vanilla and a hint of cherry liqueur, and a savoury, spicy, sweet-oaked palate with concentrated plum and cherry fruit, chocolate and liquorice, a smooth texture, well-structured silky tannins and a musky note to the meaty finish. There is something really intriguing about the aroma and a juiciness to the flavour that makes it simply delicious. 14% alc. $24.95. 9Oct2005.

Mission Reserve Syrah 2004 -Hawkes Bay Inky blackberry red, youthful and bright. Fragrant cedary oak, vanilla and pepper aromas with plenty more twists from the pepper mill in the palate. Fragrant and juicy to the taste with plum, raspberry and blueberry fruit, a hint of chocolate and a long, dry finish with a hint of violet as it lingers. 14.5% alc. $18.95. 25Jan2006.

Ngatarawa Silks Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 Inky in colour, almost black with crimson/purple rims. Aromatic, slightly minty smelling with concentrated blackberry and plum fruit, creamy oak, smooth tannins and a spicy succulent finish with sweet fruit lingering. 13% alc. $17.95. 19Oct2005.

Ohui Coromandel Peninsula Reserve Syrah 2004 (sc) Deep red in colour with a fragrant, floral perfume infused with vanillin oak and 'rose spice'. Warm, rich and harmonious wine with beautifully integrated cedary oak, peppery spices, juicy black cherry and plum fruit, cedary oak, velvety tannins and a dry savoury aftertaste with peppery spices flushing through it. It's medium to full-bodied in style and while delicious already, it has the potential to garner more complexity with age. 14% alc. $26. 30Sep2006.

Omaha Bay Vineyard Huapai Syrah 2004 (sc) Deep dark cherry red coloured, this fragrant wine has quite an opulent scent with floral nuances, vanillin oak, tart cherry fruit, dried herbs, leather and tar. It's medium-bodied in the palate with a savoury sweetness, fruit cake spices, raisins, leather, chocolate and a rustic, cedary, earthy undercurrent. There's underlying acidity that adds brightness to the earthy, slightly peppery finish which is mouthfilling and long with well-integrated cherry and chocolate and a touch of rose spice as it lingers. Made from Huapai fruit, it had 18 months in French oak. 13.5% alc. 6Jul2007.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Syrah 2004 (sc) Creamy oak, lifted bright red fruits laced with rose pepper spice, rich and full-bodied, a startling Syrah of exceptional quality with a firm grunty tannin structure, peppery spices and a lifted, well-balanced, full-bodied finish with lingering liquorice and a touch of chocolate on the creamy succulent finish. 14.5% alc. $70. 22Aug2005.
Deep, dense, bright blue/black coloured, this is spicy and complex with chocolatey oak on the nose, juicy red and black fruit, big tannins and a long dry savoury finish. There's a lovely floral character running through the wine while pepper underpins the palate without overpowering it. Succulence is the hallmark of this full-bodied deliciously creamy mouthful and the finish is long. Gold Royal Easter Wine Show. 14.5% alc. $51.95. 10May2006.

Red Rock The Underarm Syrah 2004 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (sc) Deep and dense in colour with blackcurrant hues, this is a meaty wine full of mocha and spice with a floral aroma, cherry and plum fruit, pepper and liquorice spices, grippy tannins, a creamy backbone. The finish is long and there's a musky, floral character that lingers along with copious amounts of peppery spices. Gold Royal Easter Wine Show. 14% alc. $19.95. 10May2006.

Sacred Hill 'Deerstalker' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Inky, blackberry red with a lustrous shine. Creamy smoky oak on the nose and dark, savoury, meaty, charry flavours with super concentrated plummy fruit, allspice, liquorice and tar. An opulent, powerful chocolatey wine that, at this stage of its life, is best decanted to let the juicy Syrah fruit escape from the tightly bound oak and tannins that it exhibits at this stage of its life. 14.5% alc. $59.95. 29Jun2006.

Stonecroft Young Vines Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 Very fragrant and peppery with leather and tar adding depth to the warm fruit flavours. Tannins just a little grippy at this stage. 13.5% alc. 19Sep2005.

Stonecroft 'Serine' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (D) Deep vivid purple red in colour, medium in its density. Fragrant blueberry fruit, savoury oak and peppery notes come through to titillate the nose and follow through to the palate where it's firm in structure with a dry backbone, lots of floral and spice connotations and beautiful balanced creamy oak. It seems a little austere at first, but that's only on the first sip because the depth of the berry fruit comes through to mellow that austerity and the tannins seduce with their smooth, velvety texture. Medium to full-bodied, this is a wine that needs time to muse over in the glass and bodes well for evolution in the cellar. 13.5% alc. $25. 18Sep2006.

Te Awa Hawke's Bay Syrah 2004 Deep plummy black-red with a potpourri of spice on the nose and spicy cedar in the palate. There's an initial peppery undercurrent to the dark berry fruit flavours then chocolate raisins add voluptuousness to the mid palate while spiced orange peel adds life and vibrancy and enhances the floral notes on the finish. 14% alc. $32.99. 6Sep2006.

Te Mata Bullnose Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 Blackberry red, inky in its depth. Crushed pepper and violets aromas lead into a finely structured palate with nutmeg, anise, dried herbs and rose petals combining with the concentrated red and black fruits. Lovely mouthfeel and fantastic length. 14% alc. 19Sep2005.
Very youthful, purple-hued crimson. Perfumed, musky. Still very young and tight with the vanilla oak playing a big part. Concentrated fruit, herbs de Provence and a lovely array of Syrah spice with a touch of orange pomander and a long, full-bodied, rich, concentrated finish. Give this a year or so and it will be stunning. 14% alc. $45. 10Oct2005.
Deep in colour with youthful, purple-crimson hues. Pepper aromas infuse into the slightly chocolatey, cedary French oak then in the mouth the fine tannins and the silky texture caress you while the full-bodied, biscuity, red cherry fruits seduce you. There's a musky fragrance to the wine which adds a wonderful allure, there's good acidity in the palate, it is very dry and the slightly tarry, cherry and bitter chocolate finish is long. 14% alc. $40. 15Feb2006.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah Viognier 2004 (sc) Quite floral and yeasty smelling with Syrah's typical pepperiness, it's very youthful right now with fresh, vibrant red fruits, even a hint of strawberry and gorgeous soft, slippery tannins. The Viognier is making its statement in this wine. 13.5% alc. 19Sep2005.
Delicate rose petal, apricot and cherry/chocolate aromas with an overlay of youthful cedary oak, slightly oily, cherry and chocolatey oak flavours with good varietal definition of peppery spice. Viognier (5%) seems more apparent in this wine and there's a musk and stonefruit character as the long smoky finish lingers with a fragrant, lifted aftertaste with a hint of fresh lavender. Juicy and flavoursome and already approachable. 13.5% alc. $25. 10Oct2005.

Unison Vineyard Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (c) Inky black red with crimson rims. Fragrant, floral, creamy and biscuity smelling with vanillin oak, black pepper and musk on the nose.. The pepper is more pronounced in the dark, rich, juicy palate with liquorice, dark chocolate, blackberry, purple fruits and black cherry fruit - the rose pepper muskiness comes to linger on the finish. Beautiful tannins structure - not too dry, not too sweet. A very, very good wine. 14% alc. $38. 9Nov2005.
Inky black red with purple rims, fragrant, biscuity cedar aromas and a rich weighty palate with a fine tannin structure, blackberry, black plum and black cherry fruit, white and black pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate and smoky vanillin oak. A rose pepper muskiness comes to linger on the fantastically long, supple finish. 14% alc. $38.95. 23Nov2005.

Vidal Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Aromatic, sweet fruited, cherries, spice, rose peppercorns, creamy oak, ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish make this a very approachable wine and fantastic for the price. 13.5% alc. $24.95. 6Sep2005.

Vidal Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Tasted after two powerful Aussie Shirazes, this Kiwi wine easily stood its ground because it's rich, ripe and robust and packed with juicy black cherry fruit, loganberry, liquorice, smoke and vanilla on a velvety tannined backbone that builds to a luscious, lingering and fulfilling finish. But give it time and the rose petals and tar, which seem to be a star feature of the best NZ Syrah's, come through with an underlying savouriness and nuances of Herbs de Provence to keep the sweet fruit in check. Beautifully balanced with a finish that is long and sensuous, this is stunning NZ Syrah. 14.5% alc. $58.99. 20Dec2006.

Vidal Soler Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Deep, dark and savoury with an impenetrable purple-red colour, rose pepper and chocolate on the nose and beautifully integrated polished oak in the palate with fine-grained succulent tannins, chocolate, juicy berries, exotic peppery spices and rose petals lingering on the gorgeously long, dry finish. Beautifully concentrated. A benchmark. 14.5% alc. $43.95. 22Mar2006.
Deep rich black red. Fragrant, chocolate-infused, cedary oak aromas, and succulent juicy flavours with a ton of black pepper, velvety tannins, vanillin oak, red and black berried fruits and a hint of rose petal. A big, fleshy wine with impeccable balance of fruit to oak and a fragrant spicy finish. Champion wine of the Show – Royal Easter Wine Show. 14.5% alc. $43.99. 16Aug2006.
Reddish black, opaque - reasonably developed from its original impenetrable purple red colour. A full-bodied, rich, dry chocolatey wine - peppery and spicy with dried herbs, bitter chocolate, red and black cherry fruit with some underlying acidity, spicy oak and grainy tannins. Like the colour, it is showing some development to the smoky finish which is long and lingering. 14.5% alc. $43.99. 18Jul2007.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah 2004 (sc) Spicy and creamy with dark, dusky oak, chocolate, tar, a hint of rose petal and sweet succulent spices. Creamy and lifted with a cherry and black peach finish. $28.95. 6Sep2005.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah / Viogner 2004 (sc) Chocolate smelling with black plums and black cherries, this is full of ripe fruit with leather, chocolate, mocha and creamy textured-savoury oak, and a vibrant peppery character on the long, sweet, savoury finish with lovely mouthfeel and length. $29.95. 6Sep2005.

Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Syrah 2004 (sc) Pepper and leather on the fragrant, spicy smelling nose with sweet oak, nutmeg, pepper and clove-like spices, fruit cake cherries, smoke, tobacco with soft juicy tannins and a ripe fruit finish. Very smart. 13.5% alc. $21.95. 6Sep2005.
Dense cherry red with smoky, sweet vanillin oak, cherry and red berry fruit, chocolate, soft juicy tannins and an underlying savouriness that adds a tarry note to the spicy peppery finish. Very smart for the price. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 30Nov2005.
Deep, youthful red-black in colour with a spicy, creamy aroma, a lovely fine tannin structure and a chocolatey backbone. It's rather reminiscent of Aussie Shiraz with its coconut, cherry jam and vanillin oak but a touch of cigar box makes the wine seem far more savoury on the long, juicy finish. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 8Feb2006.
Dark cherry-plum red with a perfumed chicory-like aroma and savoury, spicy flavours with juicy dark fruits, cherries, liquorice, chocolatey oak, smooth tannins and a long spicy finish. A gutsy, medium-bodied style. 13.5% alc. $19.95.29Mar2006.

Waimarie Muriwai Valley Syrah 2004 First crop Syrah from the Muriwai Valley vineyard, it's a deep garnet colour with cherries on the nose and soft, juicy flavours of cherries and spice together with toasty oak. It reminds me a little of a gutsy pinot noir with its savoury, earthy complexities. A huge departure from the Australia style, it's more like a rich, earthy, savoury pinot noir with a hint of peppery spice. 13% alc. $28. 11Jun2007.

Bilancia Hawkes Bay Syrah Viognier 2003 A deep, purple black colour with fragrant, slightly musky, peppery aromas and a richly spicy palate with a nice seam of black pepper, firm, tight, youthful tannins, concentrated plum and berry fruit and a long, earthy, savoury oak finish with leather and liquorice lingering on the smoky aftertaste. A musky, stonefruit character emerges to linger, too. Very impressive. 13.5% alc. $33.95. 19Oct2005.

Capricorn Wines Red Rock The Underarm Hawkes Bay Syrah 2003 (sc) With wonderfully fragrant creamy oak and crisp black peppery scents over well defined fruit, this alluring shining black red wine with its bright crimson edges is full of plums, blackberries, spicy oak, hints of tar and firm tannins. There's a fresh feel to the bright fruity finish and it looks very impressive tonight. 14% alc. $22.95/$19.95. 27Oct2004.
Rich, creamy oak, American oak, plums, blueberries, liquorice and mochaccino,. Hot and spicy. A palate grabber, a crowd pleaser. Ready now. Stunning NZ Syrah. 14% alc. $23.95. 1Sep2005.
Deep purple red. Inky. Fragrant. Lots of rich creamy, smoky oak, pepper, liquorice, violets with velvety tannins and a liquerish note to the warm, rich finish. 9Nov2005.
Inky purple/black with vibrantly coloured purple rims. Rich, spicy aromas with plum, leather and creamy oak, and lots of black pepper flavours with a lovely integration of oak, blueberry fruit and liquorice with dry tannins and a hint of musk adding to the floral nuances on the warm, rich, juicy finish. 14% alc. $19.95. 23Nov2005.

Dry River Lovat Vineyard Martinborough Syrah 2003 Deep inky, vivid purple red with a violet-purple edge. Aromas of creamy oak and nutmeg integrate with freshly cracked black pepper, with a sweet-scented, floral (carnation) overtone. Ultra-spicy in the palate with nutmeg and rose pepper jazzing up the juicy blackberry and black plum fruit. Dry, with firm, lightly grippy, silky tannins and a meaty, cracked pepper finish with hints of marmite, vanilla and liquorice and brighter fruit, like raspberries, lingering . A wine of super concentration that will reward cellaring, but aerate it (in a big glass or decanter) and it is delicious to drink now. 12.5% alc. $58 (mail order). 30Apr2005.

Fromm La Strada Reserve Syrah 2003 - Marlborough Inky blackish red showing a little fading on the more transparent, thin edges, it emanates peppery spice on the nose with hints of old rose and a boysenberry / blackberry depth - classically and varietally New Zealand Syrah. Very dry to the taste - dry, savoury and marmitey with loads of pepper and silky tannins. A meaty style that still seems to be evolving. The long, expansive floral and red fruited aftertaste shows great potential. 14% alc. $56.99. Cork. 9Jan2008.

Holmes Nelson Shiraz 2003 (sc) Stalky, dry, savoury and just a little leathery with a good smattering of pepper on the sweeter fruited finish. 13% alc. 1Sep2004.

Karikari Estate Northland Syrah 2003 (sc) Brightly hued, not completely opaque, a dry wine with spice-cupboard aromatics and lovely underlying rose pepper, bitter chocolate and bright raspberry/cherry spectrum fruit. Though very tight & structured at this stage with dry tannins and a yeasty malo influence, the enriching flavours on the finish show the potential. Viognier was added to the wine at blending. I'd like to see this develop in the bottle for a little longer. 12.6% alc. $26. 21Sep2004.
Perfumed with cherry, it smells sweet and ripe, succulent and juicy, intense and powerful with plenty of florals and rose stem spiciness. Lifted in the peppery palate, there's an initial phenol gargle character and crushed ants that distract from the promise on the nose. But the next day these distracting characters have gone and the result is a rich, powerful, dry red. 12.6% alc. $27. 7Oct2007.

Matua Matheson Syrah 2003 (sc) Good depth of purple red colour. Soft tannins, jammy red berry fruit and plums, vanillin oak and a peppery finish with lingering leather and tar. Full-bodied, smooth and ready now. $20.95. 13% alc. 21Mar2005.

Mills Reef Reserve Syrah 2003 (sc) This is a value packed wine with a colour and flavour that its price belies. With Syrah's characteristic peppery spice, hints of rose petal, a touch of leather and a smoky finish, this juicy berry flavoured wine is bound together with succulent tannins. Mills Reef's top tier Elspeth range is hard to beat but this reserve label certainly delivers. 13% alc. $19.95. 9Feb2005.
Deep inky red with characteristic peppery spice that covers the whole range of multi-coloured gourmet peppercorns with hints of rose petal, a touch of leather, velvety tannins, chocolate and red fruits. Nicely structured with smoky savoury oak, good acidity, a mouthfilling ripe-fruited finish and a creamy aftertaste, this wine has it all. It is young now but has a bright future and shows what Syrah can do in a vintage that was considered difficult for the Bordeaux variety reds. 13% alc. $18.95. 23Feb2005.

Murdoch James Saleyards Syrah 2003 Deep crimson purple-red, deep and inky, this is rich, powerful wine with creamy oak, sweet juicy cherry and blueberry fruit, ripe succulent tannins and a spicy peppery finish infused with coriander and nutmeg. Very powerful but also very approachable and deliciously drinkable. Excellent. 12% alc. $34.95. 26Jul2006.

Schubert Wairarapa Syrah 2003 Pepper - the signature of syrah is abundant in this wine. There's pepper on the nose and pepper in the rich, juicy palate that's full of dark cherry and black plum fruit. Add to the pepper a hint of sweet chilli, a touch of liquorice, a confetti of musky rose petals, a buttress of savoury French oak and a mattress of velvety tannins and you have one delicious, mouthfilling, robust red wine. And with the acidity that flares on the finish, regard it as a cellaring proposition for the next few years at least. 14% alc. $65. 29Jun2006.

Stonecroft Hawkes Bay Syrah 2003 Black red. Pristine aromas of red and black pepper, violets, rose petals and cherry, the oak is fairly dominant in the palate and the tannins a little grippy but subdued by the explosion of raspberry and cherry fruit with liquorice, spice, tar and leather with a creamy, spicy, slightly charry oak finish. Great potential with a little more age. Diam closure. 13.5% alc. $38. 24Feb2005.

Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah Viognier 2003 - Hawkes Bay (sc) A deeply coloured shining purple crimson wine that is much fruiter and fresher than last year's rendition, possibly due to the screwcap closure. Aromatic and spicy with an excellent partnership of cherry dominant fruit and vanillin oak. Lifted and nicely balanced with good acidity, not too heavy grainy textured tannins and a bright fruited finish with a lovely array of spices lingering in a moreish way. 13% alc. $25. 20Sep2004.
98% Syrah co-fermented with 2% Viognier, matured in French oak for 15 months. Crimson red with good depth of colour, earthy, leathery, peppery aromas, the palate shows terrific fruit weight - a puree of black cherry, raspberry and blackberry on a creamy texture with silky tannins that have just a little bit of grip on the finish and a spicy aftertaste. There's a nuance of mint and other aromatic herbs as it lingers. Very smart. 13% alc. $25. 12Apr2005.
Cherry red in colour. Freshly cracked white pepper on the nose. Dry and spicy in the palate with plenty of pepper and spices, sweet cherry and red plum fruit building to a sweet succulent, lifted finish. A clean, easy wine, not overly complex. 13% alc. $24.95. 1Jun2005.
A bright, clean, fragrantly spicy aroma with vanilla and a fruit cake richness behind it, and bright, fruit flavours with a touch of musk coming through the orange blossom, plums and cherries with nicely defined peppery spice, velvety tannins, a chocolatey richness emerging as it lingers. A wine that is quite intriguing as it evolves in the palate, with a delicious aftertaste. 13% alc. 10Oct2005.
Deep translucent red. Fragrant crushed pepper and vanilla aromas, smooth silky (slippery) tannins, plum and cherry fruit, creamy vanillin oak and sweet spices. A cool climate, medium-bodied Shiraz with a musky character to the spiced deli meats and pepper finish and a lingering, almost floral, aftertaste. 13% alc. $18.95 special. 2Nov2005.

Trinity Hill Shepherds Croft Shiraz 2003 - Hawkes Bay Deep, intense, blueberry red with crimson rims, abundant aromas of wine-infused multi-coloured crushed peppercorns, a good definition of plummy fruit with brambly berries and fruit cake spices, firm tannins and terrific length with sweet fruit, spices and savoury smoky oak lingering on the dry finish. It is more like a medium-bodied Cote-du-Rhone rather than a full-bodied Cote-Rotie and is ready to drink and enjoy now. 13% alc. $15.95. 16Mar2005.

Artisan Oratia 'Fantail Island' Syrah 2002 (Fantail Island is not an island but the name of the vineyard in Auckland). Good depth of purple red colour. Fragrant on the nose, peppery signature of Syrah with chocolate hints and floral (rose) traits. Good depth of flavour, plenty of pepper and spice, blueberry and berry fruits, a touch of mocha / choc and a leathery finish with just a touch of earthiness. A spicy little number that lingers well with sweet vanillin oak. Not an in-your-face style, it will be good with food and OK to quaff as well. 12.7% alc. $34.95. 18Feb2004.

Babich Winemakers Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 Great inky colour reflective of the year, it's so dark it is almost black with crimson pink (magenta) hues on the rims, very appealing to the eye. Youthful, liquorice, pepper and sweet ripe juicy fruit on the nose, rich and full in the palate, good tannin structure, plenty of flavour concentration, spice, liquorice, concentrated red fruits, rich and delicious with a terrific spicy creamy backbone and a liquorice leathery character that comes through on the finish. Sweet and moreish. Matured in 100% American oak, 20% new. $24.95. 10Sep2003.
Inky purple black colour, peppery aromas, hints of tar and liquorice underlying the creamy berry fruit and deliciously concentrated berry fruit flavours with pepper, liquorice and creamy vanillin oak. A generous wine with a good tannin structure while hints of barnyard and leather give a savoury nuance to the dry finish. 13% alc. $19.95. 23Mar2005.

Bilancia Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 Fantastic blackberry colour, creamy and toasty with a hint of leather, a touch of tar, gripping tannins, and a creamy, pepper, fruitcake spice finish. It's a good wine with lots of potential, just needs some time to unfold. Pre-bottling sample. 21Aug2003.
Intense, opulent purple coloured, purple fruited wine with a berry and pepper nose, and very concentrated fruit flavours. The tannins seem more in check today. 26Aug2003.
As black as they come, a shiny black with purple rims like a ripe blackberry bursting with pristine ripe fruit. Tasting this black beauty I find a beautifully crafted wine, a rich creamy wine with fabulous fruit weight, ripe tannin structure and a lovely profile of peppery spice. Long and persistent in the palate with plums, berries, currants and chocolatey oak, it’s a big wine, built to last and the fine seam of acidity will ensure it does that. 22Feb2004.
As black and inky as they come with shiny crimson-purple hues, it's fragrant and appealing with pepper, spice, concentrated berries and sweet leather on the nose, wonderful fruit structure and weight in the palate with a rich creamy backbone, ripe fruit tannins and chocolatey oak finish, this wine has incredible flavour and length with lingering plums, berries and peppery spice. Outstanding! 14% alc. $33.95. 3Mar2004.

Bilancia La Collina Syrah 2002 – Hawkes Bay Wonderfully seductive aromas of creamy oak, rose pepper and blackberries lead into this dense black-red coloured thick, rich, mouthfilling, velvety textured wine. Deliciously ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit with wild herb influences to the gamey tarry savouriness and a liqueur-like factor in its delivery across the palate. Beautifully balanced and seamless with an incredible finish and a wonderful chocolate mocha aftertaste. 14% alc. $84.95. 23Feb2005.

Brookfields Hillside Syrah 2002 – Hawkes Bay Deep and dense, purple-black in its colour, it smells a bit like fruit shortcake as it bakes, together with a smoky nuance and a touch of pepper. Fruit driven in the palate with leather, pepper, spices, a touch of tar and some smoky bacon, the tannins are fine and meaty, the palate is long and chocolatey oak lingers. Top dry red of the Sydney International Wine Competition and Best Full-bodied Red. Judged with food the match was Lamb Shanks with Lima Beans. 14% alc. $39.95. 10Mar2004.

CJ Pask Gimblett Rd Syrah 2002 (sc) Magnenta colour. Fragrant, violets, creamy spices on cedar. Very primary at this stage. Quite dry and tannic but powerful fruit underlies the tightness. A medium-bodied wine with red and black fruits, sweet musky overtones and liquorice lingering on the succulent, concentrated fruit finish. There's potential ahead of it once the tannins start to integrate. Matured in new and older 100% French oak. 10Sep2003.
Wonderful colour, a glowing inky purple black, green peppercorns and savoury oak on the nose, slightly sweet juicy mulberry-like fruit with just a touch of citrus in the palate, this is more earthy and leathery with firm tannins and nut chocolate on the lingering dry finish. 13.5% alc. $22.95. 26May2004

Craggy Range Block 14 Syrah 2002 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay Inkily opaque purple black. Chocolate raisins on the smoky nose, a brooding dark bitter chocolate, plums, cherry and lots of sweet oak. There's good acidity that lifts the finish and the wine lingers well. Would not have picked it as NZ syrah at first though finally the pepper comes out to play. Fans of big blockbuster wines are really going to love this. 14.5% alc. 11Feb2004

Craggy Range 'Le Sol' Syrah 2002 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay A big black dense coloured wine with lovely fruit, silky tannins and a dark savoury finish. Aromatic cedar and berries drive the aromas while in the palate it is rich and creamy with voluptuous vanillin oak that is beautifully refined and integrated. The wine shows the spicy character of the grape well and this is enhanced by the tannin structure and the smooth delivery and flow. Leather and tar emerge. A meaty wine, a dark and savoury wine with a full, ripe, lush, spicy finish and blackberry and black cherry lingering on the spicy oak aftertaste. Some chocolate too. A wine that needs time. $70. 24Nov2004.

Dry River Lovat Vineyard Syrah 2002 Inky purple, great youth in the colour, which is dense to the crimson purple rim. Pepper and rose petal with creamy cedary oak on the nose, it’s a little meaty and savoury in the aromatics. Very lifted and bright in the palate, quite zesty, a little spritzy, with dark chocolate richness and creamy oak. There's lifted spices on the finish, where blue fruits linger. A lovely wine, great length and excellent potential. Later I opened a bottle of this wine at home and it showed no spritziness. It had a lovely brightness to the hue and exhibited currant cardamon, nutmeg and rose pepper spices. 13.5% alc. 13Mar2004.

Fromm Reserve Marlborough Syrah 2002 Vibrant pepper and rose petal aromas, this is a beautifully fragrant, fruit-filled peppery Syrah. Black pepper and new leather abound in the palate where there's a lovely tannin structure, they're definitely there but balanced to the opulent fruit. Violets and liquorice fill out the finish. Sensuous, long, dry, awesome. There's 6% Viognier in the blend. 26Aug2002.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Island Syrah 2002 A rose petal fragrance mingles with new wood, leather and peppery spice on the nose with a delicate woody flavour to the juicy, succulent cherry and red berry fruit. Concentrated, creamy and wonderfully structured, it sets the palate up for the terrific explosion of musky spices and the long, dry, spicy finish with hints of red liquorice. A wine of excellent length, it shows the promise for Syrah from Waiheke. Barrel sample. To be bottled in November. $39. 26Sep2003.

Kingsley Estate Syrah 2002 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay (sc) 86% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec. The colour of a shiny blackberry with purple tinges to the rims. Perfumed with spicy oak that is layered with pepper and chocolate while sweet musky purple fruit flavours swallow the rich grape tannins. Beautifully integrated with smoky oak, an underlying succulent juiciness, a mouthfilling, long dry finish and a spicy aftertaste. Very good. 14% alc. $36.95. 13Apr2005.

Matariki Aspire Syrah 2002 A spicy, full-bodied red with strawberry, cherry and juicy black berries. 7Nov2003.
Fantastic inky purple-black that we are becoming accustomed to with youthful NZ Syrah. Lots of fragrant rose pepper on the nose, there's plenty of plumy fruit in the palate, perhaps just a little stewed, and a solid leather and spicy oak backbone. A touch of cigar too. Good length. Not an overly complex style, it is a good intro to NZ Syrah. $19.50. 11Oct2003.
Amazingly youthful purple black with crimson rims, this reeks of black and white pepper, spices, tobacco and vanillin oak. It's oily in the palate with spiced black plums and more earthy savoury notes and asphalt. The texture is creamy and there's lots of oak, it's smooth with a flare of acidity on the finish. Not bad for under $20. 13.5% alc. 7Jan2004.

Matua Valley Matheson Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 A blacky-red coloured medium weight Syrah with hints of sweet coconut oak, crisp spicy peppery fruit, cherries, raspberries and plums, not too heavy, not too light, a soft, slightly savoury, food-friendly wine with a creamy finish. Easy to drink on its own - ready.

Matua Valley Matheson Innovator Syrah 2002 Biscuity oak, blackberries, spice and boot leather dominate the nose of this newly opened black-red coloured savoury meaty wine that fills out with the sweetness of ripe plum and berry fruit and builds up to a massively spicy finish. It's soft and approachable yet there's finely structured tannins in the background. As it develops it becomes rich, creamy and chocolatey with a lovely mouth-coating texture. Beautifully balanced and simply terrific Syrah. 13Oct2003.

Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2002 Deep in colour with blackberry hues and smelling slightly peppery with pristine red berries, the aroma gets better and better as the wine opens up in the glass and the sweet American oak component becomes more fragrant. Creamy oak, pepper and liquorice then a warm biscuity bready spiciness characterise the flavour of this velvety textured wine. It has good acidity with bright lifted fruit and a touch of tobacco in amongst the spicy oak and the finish is long and satisfying. *****. 14% alc. $39.95. 30Jun2004.
Big, black and bold. Full of lush vanillin oak characters - youthful oak, ?American oak with underlying hints of mint. The spicy oak fills the palate but the ripe cherry and plum fruit is massive and concentrated, and can handle it. It's a juicy, powerful wine with big gutsy tannins and a spicy note to the tarry finish with a very long, mouthfilling aftertaste of nutmeg, vanilla, mocha, chocolate and sweet plum/cherry fruit, and just a hint of tar. 14% alc. $39.95. 24Nov2004.
A fine textured blackberry hue introduces this outstanding New Zealand syrah that has wonderfully pristine aromatics of black pepper, red berries and vanillin oak. Immediately spicy and peppery in the palate with firm robust tannins equilibrated by voluptuous red fruits that soften the tannins' grippiness and a savoury connotation amongst the liquorice, rose pepper and creamy chocolatey oak that adds a delicious intrigue to the excellent mouthfilling, lingering finish. 14% alc. $40.95. 23Feb2005.

Mission Jewelstone Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 A wine that promises so much with its inky, deep crimson colour, it emits an appealing pepper spice fragrance then in the palate it is rich and mouthfilling with ripe fruit, creamy oak, ripe tannins adding structure and wonderful balance of fruit to oak. I find plums, blueberries, a touch of liquorice, a suggestion of anise and lingering pepper on the savoury finish. A totally delicious wine. 13.5% alc. $34.95. 11May2004.
Deep crimson black with flashes of violet, purple and magenta. Lightly floral aromas with musky rose-pepper spice lead into an intensely flavoured, meaty wine with purple fruits, plums, black cherry, sweet vanillin oak and a long savoury finish. The spicy floral component comes forth on the finish again and lingers with a nuance of herbs de Provence. 13.5% alc. $34.95. 24Nov2004.

Moana Park Vineyard Tribute Syrah 2002 Blackberry and spice characterise this rich, creamy, full-bodied wine that has a touch of mocha, chocolate oak and a lingering cherry flavour with a dark liquorice succulence. There's a touch of leather too and vibrant assortment of white, black and rose pepper on the intense lingering finish. Tbr Nov. Tasted 26Aug2003.

Mudbrick Reserve Waiheke Island Syrah 2002 This is a big Syrah, a rich meaty savoury wine with dark succulent fruit, pepper and herbs with a dark chocolate and black cherry finish. It just needs time to unfold. 26Aug2003. See my Wine of the Week ending 5 October 2003.
A wine made in the vineyard, it's floral with chocolate, spice and anise. Double picked, plunged, 2 weeks post ferment maceration, now chocolate on the nose and later chocolate in the palate, spice galore and lifted fruit, blackberries, florals and spice, it goes will with port-soaked currants in the spiced bratwurst with zucchini and port soaked currants. 13Oct2003.

Murdoch James Martinborough Syrah 2002 Great colour, lots of pepper on the nose, musk, leather and nutmeg (mace) in palate with a hot spicy finish. 13Oct2003.
Deep dark crimson red, a touch of mercurachrome on the nose leads into a savoury wine that is typically syrah with sweet oak, blackberry fruit, peppery spices, a touch of liquorice, dry silky tannins and a long finish. A sophisticated wine, a food wine. 13.2% alc. 26Jul2006.

Newton Forrest Cornerstone Gimblett Road Syrah 2002 (sc) Inky crimson black, exuding aromas of violets, cherries, creamy oak and exotic spices, this delicious, velvety tannined wine is packed with succulent fruit, vanilla, tar, pepper, liquorice, anise and fruitcake spices. Dark and savoury, almost meaty in its complexity with a muskiness to the finish, it is ripe, round and very complete, an outstanding wine with great length, drinking well now it will continue to evolve with cellaring. 14.5% alc. $39.95. 25Aug2004.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Syrah 2002 Back to the quality of the '00, this creamy, fragrant, floral smelling Syrah is full of lovely ripe fruit, an assortment of pepper, plums, blackberries, just a whiff of leather and sweet vanillin oak. It's ripe and beautifully balanced with a lovely structure and an amazing succulent berry juiciness on finish with just a touch of liquorice. To be released in November. Tasted 26Aug2003

Schubert Wairarapa Syrah 2002 Ruby red of medium to dense intensity with a blackberry glow. Smoky oak over rose pepper-influenced berry fruit then in the palate exotic spices and brushed berry flavours wih sweet vanillin oak overlain with chocolate, and a crispness to the spicy finish. Beautifully balanced throughout and rated very good. 14% alc. $45. 7Feb2005.

Selaks Founders Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 Intense rose pepper on the nose with a lovely sweet fragrance. There's creamy opulent fruit that is beautifully integrated to the oak. It's an 'elegant ' wine with a slightly liquorice tint to the finish. 26Aug2003. See my 'Wine of the Week ending 21Sep2003.
Dense and inky in its brightly hued black-red colour, there's lots of pepper on the nose together with raspberries, blackberries and vanillin oak. It's rather exciting to the taste with a solid oak backbone, peppery spice, earth, leather, blackberry and bitter chocolate then spice, plum, blackberry and creamy vanillin oak lingering on the firm, dry finish. It's just another fantastic NZ Syrah and I highly recommend it. 13.5% alc. 17Sep2003.

Stonecroft Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 Deeply coloured, almost black, with a crimson brightness to its hue. Wonderfully floral aromatics with the peppery signature of Syrah backed up by fabulous berry fruit and tar. Bright fruits, sweet ripe fruits with fantastic concentration, just the slightest hint of leather, honeyed oak and aromatic spices of anise, musk and liquorice, a dry wine with fruit sweetness throughout, it's soft and round wine with wonderful balance and the wine lingers with a fragrant persistence. 13.5% alc. 29Feb2004.
Inky red with lots of depth and richness to the colour and flavour, this has just the right amount of pepper strewn among the violets with a hint of chocolate and deliciously ripe plum and blueberry fruit. A beautifully structured wine with succulent tannins and a long savoury, sweet fruited finish with plenty of richness and power. 20Sep2004.

Te Mata Estate Woodthorpe Syrah Viognier 2002 Deep, inky, red black colour, leather tar and black pepper on the nose, creamy oak, raspberry/loganberry and blackberry fruit in the palate. Peppery spices throughout with supple tannins, the earthy finish is lengthened by the wine's acidity. 12Feb2004.
Deep red in colour, quite savoury smelling with black pepper, tar, sheep paddock and 'dried sheep poo' on the nose. Quite complex in its savoury, leathery flavours with good tannin structure, dark plums, blackberries and spicy oak. It seemed quite European to me in comparison to the Aussies. 13.5% alc. $26.95. 10Mar2004.
It still has that leathery, earthy character that I've never liked in this wine and at last winemaker Peter Cowley admits that yes, there is some Brettanomyces present. Other than this, it is earthy, savoury and funky with well defined anise and peppery spices and cherry and raisin fruit, dusty tannins and a rich, savoury, meaty finish. It reminds me a little of a big chunky pinot. 13.5% alc. 10Oct2005.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2002 Red black, almost opaque. Fragrant with bright fruit, gentle oak and fruit spice, almost floral, a little peppery, some savoury herbs, it smells clean, varietal. Concentrated red berry fruits and fragrant spices in the palate with new leather, and a peppery brightness to the creamy finish with perhaps just a hint of 'Black Forest' chocolate. Soft, supple ripe fruit tannins, a meaty nuance and great length. 14.5% alc. 24Feb2004.
996, but far more primary with a hint of rose petal. Rich, lush, opulent flavours with beautifully structured silky tannins, a gorgeous array of anise and peppery spices, a meaty backbone and a long, fruity succulent finish, with lovely varietal definition of pepper and juicy plum and blackberry fruit as it lingers with liquorice coming through to linger on the aftertaste. Rich and concentrated and meaty! 14.5% alc. 10Oct2005.

Trinity Hill 'Homage' Syrah 2002 – Hawkes Bay Wonderfully bright in its youthful, inky, red black colour that has crimson-purple stained rims, it is overall very tight at the moment but there is no hiding the potential of this intensely concentrated wine. Deep and rich with cherry and other succulent red fruits together with bitter chocolate, spice, rose petal and stonefruits, it builds on the velvety texture of the fine tannins in the palate to a long sustained finish with a character yet seen in only the best Syrah's that NZ has produced. Made as a homage to Gerard Jaboulet in the Rhone, the Syrah was co-fermented with 5% Viognier wine to produce this Cote-Rotie style. The rumour is that it will cost $100 a bottle when it is eventually released. 14% alc. 1Sep2004.
The colour of a ripe blackberry, intense, inky and deep. Showing lovely purity and varietal expression, this is softly aromatic with savoury oak, black pepper, cherry on the nose, firm, slightly leathery tannins, good acidity, black pepper and rose spice. A firmly structured dense, creamy wine with a long spicy finish and a sweet fruit aftertaste, there's good acidity too which will ensure this wine's continued evolution. 14% alc. $105. 24Nov2004.

Vidal Estate Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 (sc) Inky purple black with crimson rims, this is a voluptuously fragrant wine with attractive scents of multi-coloured peppercorns, plums and violets that prepare the palate for the rich flavours ahead. Sweet fruited with lots of grunt, plums, violets, chocolate, pepper, spice, juicy, good tannins and a long flavoursome sweet juicy finish. It's the little brother to the Soler Syrah. 14.5% alc. $26.95. 5May2004.

Vidal Estate ‘Soler’ Hawkes Bay Syrah 2002 (sc) Tobacco on the nose of this fantastically intense, rich, opulent, peppery wine with immense tannins though they are finely attuned to the abundant fruit. Beautiful! But it won't be released until November. 26Aug2003.
Inky in its deep purple-red colour, there’s leather, cracked pepper and smoky exotic spices on the nose, wonderfully sweet spices, juicy plums, black peaches and honey oaked oak in the palate with a creamy texture and smooth, approachable tannins. The creamy vanillin oak seduces with its chocolatey nuances and there’s the subtle spicy peppery muskiness of my Dublin Bay rose on the finish. It’s dry and savoury yet spicy and succulent. It’s just as impressive as impressive can be. 14.8% alc $33.95. AirNZ Gold Medal tasting. 26Nov2003.
Inky red-black. Aromatic, slightly minty with creamy oak and cocoa powder on nose and lots of spices in the palate, it's clean to the taste with cherry, tar, savoury herbs and terrific balance of everything. A beautiful wine with lovely tannin structure and fruit lift on the lingering chocolatey finish. Gold medal ANZWA. 14.8% alc. 11Feb2004
Dark, savoury and peppery with juicy plums and purple fruits and creamy oak. Smooth and long with a rounded pepper and spice finish. 14.8% alc. 1Sep2004.
Very intense deepand inky in colour, almost black. Very fragrant, rose petal, almost soapy floral and spice. Plenty of oak, creamy oak, tarry oak, spicy oak, leathery oak that is beautifully integrated to the soft ripe tannins and the juicy purple fruits that give a lush succulence to the bright flavours and the lifted finish. With lingering spices, black cherry and mocha on the sweet fruit finish, this is a big wine that would fool the Aussies. A delicious, showy wine with wonderful fruit purity, incredible length and tantalising spices that come through on the finish. 14.8% alc. 24Nov2004.

Bilancia Syrah 2001 Lovely purple/violet/carmine hues in this medium dense coloured wine. Fragrant, spicy and floral with musk and lavendar, creamy, elegant and beautifully balanced in the mouth. Leather emerges and lingers with nutmeg and dry ripe tannins. 19Aug2002.

Brookfields Hillside Reserve Syrah 2001 (a barrel sample). Lovely deep red colour. Vanillin and white pepper spice aromas. Immense complexity and flavour with spices, herbs and bright berry fruit with cherries and raspberries quite dominant at this stage. Lovely and lifted with a very ripe, creamy and purple-fruited finish together with crisp spices. This will be an absolute stunner when released. Definitely lipsmackingly gorgeous right now. 22Jul2002.

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Block 14 Syrah 2001 Inky purple-crimson. Terrific peppery aromatics of mixed colour peppercorns and the leathery smell of pressed red grapeskins on the nose, wonderful fruit weight in the palate - plums, definitely plums with leather and spices - pepper and nutmeg and heaven knows what else - perhaps some dried rosemary, it's a little hot and zesty on the front of the tongue (14% alc), lovely tannin structure, creamy savoury oak backbone and harmonious in its flow from entry to ending with a lingering flavour of liqueur cherries with a hint of red liquorice mingling in with those savoury notes. Persistent and long. 31Oct2003.

CJ Pask Gimblett Rd Hawkes Bay Syrah 2001 Leathery nose, fruity, peppery, smoky oak, fruity upfront but develops well and spicy raspberry notes linger on finish. Soft tannins, savoury finish, creamy texture. White pepper, light red fruits, lifted, floral. Good wine for the price. $25. 7Apr2003.

Dry River Arapoff Syrah 2001 Deep carmine red. Attractive scents - floral, berries, lots of peppery spice. It's very appealing with elegant but meaty oak. Quite youthful in the palate, still very wound up and tight with marmite, yeasty, spicy, creamy, slightly furry tannin - like stroking a cat. The oak is quite dark and dense, not too toasty, just quite delicious. Superbly balanced, this is a v.v. good Syrah and one to watch. Lingers with slightly musky, floral, spicy yet not overstated flavours and lots and lots of white and red pepper spice. $52 on mail order. 16Feb2003.
Crimson purple, bright. Youthful cherry, red currant and blackberry fruit, very tight, a touch (ever so slight) of mint, coffee, nutmeg, a hint of liquorice, firm velvety tannins, crisp fruit, aromatic spices, a fragrant lifted finish, a wine still evolving. The fruit is awesome on the finish with great persistence and length, a floral note in its youth, a touch of liquorice too. Wonderful lift and length. 12% alc. 13Mar2004.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Island 'Vignette' Syrah 2001 Smoked meat aromas. Very fragrant and spicy with lots of clove and ripe berry fruit flavours. There's a hint of apple (acidity) on the nice, full, warm creamy and fragrant finish. It is lighter in colour than the 2001 and shows more pepper in the mouth, but the lovely berry fruit flavours linger well. Not as ripe as the delicious 2000 from this producer. 20Aug2002.

Kingsley Estate Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2001 A vibrantly coloured deep blackcurrant red, this wine reeks of cracked black pepper, leather and succulent berry fruit on the nose. Earthy and spicy with violets and musk, it is also meaty and leathery with tannins quite dominant. The pepper, cherry, raspberry, plum and creamy oak flavours linger. A wine with lovely fruit ripeness and plenty of body and a terrific example. 13.5% alc. $43.95. Screwcap 6Aug2003.

Matariki Hawkes Bay Syrah 2001 Deep black red, flushed with colour and looking quite young, it reveals some age on the nose with mellow oak and subtle fruit but then it contradicts itself again with lots of grunt and power, pepper, allspice, sweet vibrant fruit and a touch of liquorice in the palate. Smooth and long with integrated oak and velvety smooth fine grained tannins imparting a pleasing, rounded, vinous finesse; dried, orange-scented herbs emerge on the finish and cherry and fruit cake spices linger gracefully. 13.5% alc. $28.95. 19Jul2006.

Matariki Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2001 Inky red-black. Savoury smelling with a bouquet garni of herb-driven aromas, lots of vanillin oak and wine berries. There's an abundance of concentrated sweet fruit in the palate fruit characterised by cherry, plum and juicy berries with a strong cedary oak backbone, firm tannins, fruit cake spices and some underlying leather and tar. Has a 'euro' quality, but tasted beside a selection of French wines it could only be from NZ.$40. 24Nov2004.

Mills Reef 'Elspeth' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2001 A deep red wine with French oak aromas and concentrated white pepper and spicy plum fruit. Lots of oak influence in the mouth with charcoal, burnt pencil, sheep poo, tar, leather and old spice, currants, plums and white pepper. The texture is fine and silky and the flavour is long, concentrated and dense. 13.5% alc. $44.95. 4Jun2003. *****

Mudbrick Waiheke Island Syrah 2001 A lightly coloured wine with lots of subtle delicate flavours that hint of cherry. Plenty of pepper spice in the long and flavourful in the palate. Try this with Puhoi Kaipara Blue Cheese - an excellent combo. 20Aug2002.

Okahu Estate Reserve Shiraz Cabernet 2001 Youthful coloured red. Savoury, meaty, marmite, herbs, then sweet berry fruits fill the aroma spectrum. There's quite a sense of depth in this wine. Red berries, leather, spicy, it is momentarily Bordeaux-like but with sweeter ripe fruit giving hints to its New World provenance.
Next day: Dense, ripe, upfront red fruits, tobacco and leather. Good tannins that soften as the wine evolves. Velvety sweet fruited finish. Rich meaty flavours linger. 27Apr2003.

Schubert Syrah 2001 A blend of 50% Hawkes Bay and 50% Martinborough fruit, it seems a sweeter style upfront but there is masses and masses of pepper, blueberry and stonefruit, fleshy stone fruits like spiced blackboy peach and plum. A terrifically balanced, well-structured wine with sweet fruit lingering with a lovely peppery spiciness. 26Aug2003.
Inky purple red in colour. Black pepper and woodsmoke on the nose (tho' the BBQ was working at the time), dark and savoury, earthy, milk chocolate coated raisins, plums, smooth and creamy but with a robust tannin structure. Mmm, yum, delicious. This wine got no award in the Air NZ wine awards. I don't understand. Or perhaps I do. 5Dec2003.

Stonecroft Syrah 2001 Tasted at ther release tasting 17Feb2003 - I found this to be a creamy Syrah, but I thought that perhaps it lacked a little in concentration compared to previous efforts. Alan disagreed but said he did have to pick some of the Syrah early - this went into the Crofters V, however. The wine unfolds to reveal an immense robust flavour of plums and spice, so I put my disinterest down to the smell of the venue and the fact the wine followed the powerfully flavoured Ruhanui. Alan gave me the remainder of the bottle to take home.
Now without the distraction of paint, I can smell lots and lots of spice in the wine. It's hot and spicy and floral with cherry scents, warm cuddly oak, violets and herbs, the oak is quite polished and as the wine lingers in the palate the flavour becomes quite meaty and intense, with plums and leather joining the fray. It's definitely a good Syrah, northern Rhonish in style but with the ripe fruit flavours of New Zealand. Try with salami but not with olive or sundried tomatoes. $45 on mail order. 17Feb2003.

Te Awa Farm Longlands Syrah Hawkes Bay 2001 Fragrant vanillin cedar aromas with wafts of spicy fruit. Quite a big weighty, meaty, earthy, creamy wine in the mouth but the emerging fruit is long and succulent. 19Aug2002.

Te Kairanga Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2001 Red black in its dense bright colour this powerful, creamy, oak driven Syrah is spicy, ripe and fruity. Upfront red berry fruits, lots of zingy black peppery spice, finely ground white pepper, tar, balsamic vinegar, a little meaty and very very creamy with charcoal notes, it's full-bodied, grunty and flavoursome with good tannin structure and a zingy lifted finish. Would be great with peppered eye fillet steak cooked rare. $47.95. 19Mar2003.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2001 Deep red, dark and dusky smelling with leather, smoke, bacon, tar, savoury and spice. White pepper influence in the palate with glimpses of blackberry and black cherry, European in style, quite savoury and leathery with a little barnyard. Quite tight at this stage with firm dry tannins though the fruit is there and lingers on the finish with a peppery and savoury herb influence. Good length. As the wine lingers the bursts of juicy purple fruits become more succulent. 13.5% alc. $36.95. 7May2003.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Road Black Label Syrah 2001 A tight leathery wine, a wine that absolutely needs food. Creamy smelling with liquorice, leather, plum and spice on the nose, it's tightly bound by its tannin structure in the palate. Creamy, peppery oak spice, looking very, very good as it opens up, give it some aeration for the best benefit. 31Oct2003.
Blackberry hued. Yeasty at first on the perfumed nose with musk, tar and a touch of pepper. Sweet and fat in the palate with easy appeal. Blackberry and plum, a savoury spicy peppery character and a lovely creaminess with just a touch of liquorice that comes from the concentrated fruit. Lovely balance of fruit, spice, oak and tannin, a beautifully smooth wine not over the top like most Aussie shirazes are. A class act. There are 7 clones of Syrah in this wine. Some came from Jaboulet where John worked a vintage. 13% alc. $29.95 16Jun2004.
Showing hints of development, this ripe, rounded wine has savoury smoky oak and purple plummy fruit. Good balance throughout. 13% alc. 1Sep2004.

Vidal Estate Soler Syrah 2001 - Hawkes Bay Quite opulent on the nose, there's creamy chocolate galore with a touch of peppery spice, smoke and roasted coffee. There's plenty going on in the palate with nutmeg, white pepper, black pepper, lots and lots of pepper, blackberry and plums. It is very fine in its tannin structure with a lovely integration of French oak and good acidity giving the wine terrific balance. It shows the class of top quality NZ syrah. $33.95. 5Mar2003.

Babich Winemakers Reserve Syrah 2000 Showing a little development in its deep red colour, there's leather, pepper, cherry , plum and a hint of chocolate on the nose. Quite mellow, a lighter style though still attractive with vanillin oak, cherry, leather, spice and a touch of earth, it's drinking well now. Cherry chocolate flavours linger. 10Sep2003.

Bilancia Syrah 2000 (Hawkes Bay) Dense purple-red colour. Creamy, spicy aromas. Dry pepper and spice in the mouth with ripe blackberry and a leathery, richly tannic finish with black fleshed peach flavours lingering on the lovely ripe finish. Needs time to mellow. First vintage, with 100% new oak. Just 2 barrels made. 18Sep2001.

CJ Pask Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2000 Lovely sweet ripe fruit with subtle peppery spice on a creamy backbone of berry fruit and spicy oak. Very small quantities made for this first Syrah release and available ex-winery only. 18Sep2001.

Clevedon Hills Syrah 2000 (South Auckland) Intense blackberry with violet hues, it's fruit driven on the nose with chocolate, pepper, brambly and violet scents, a finely textured though well-structured palate with solid tannins, leather, a touch of barnyard and nugget, a sweet berry and plum finish and lingering notes of violets and roses. I imagine this would be a very good food wine. 12% alc. 1200 bottles. 8 month old vines. 25Aug2003.

Crossroads Classic Syrah 2000 Sweet, spicy peppery fruit with creamy vanillin oak and a hint of mint. Soft and balanced and nicely drinkable. 23Aug2001 $23.
Deep purple coloured wine. Really intense pepper on the nose together with barnyard and leathery scents. The pepper is amazingly intense in the mouth too. This is a creamy flavoursome full-bodied shiraz, smooth and rounded with raspberry, plums, peppery spice, and sweet leathery tannins and a full rich flavoursome finish that lasts for an age. Heartily recommended. 23May2000. $20.

Dry River 'Arapoff' Syrah 2000 Deeply coloured with purple hues, a meaty savoury nose with a dash of pepper and an initial hit of raspberry. There's pepper and juicy raspberries in the mouth and a tarry savouriness too, then hints of blueberry, hints of sweet leather and sweet spices with cinnamon. Herbs and viloets emerge and linger withthe pepper spice on the finish. This is an extremely elegant and enjoyable full-bodied wine that is smooth, integrated and seamless. It's very long and flavoursome with all sorts of things going on, on the creamy lifted finish. $49. 25May2002.

Holmes Nelson Shiraz 2000 Well-coloured. Blackberry, raspberry, an earthy richness, creamy oak, firm tannins and a lingering smoky finish with a nice lift of spice. Good wine and a very good accompaniment to porterhouse steak. 2Aug2002.

Kennedy Point Waiheke Island Syrah 2002 Rich and creamy with lovely ripe fruit and fragrance and a hint of stonefruit that is bought about by the 2% of viognier in the wine. Has developed well since last tasted in February. Creamy with subtle pepper, nutmeg and other spices, sweet berry fruit and a lovely meatiness. Very long and elegant with good ripe tannins. Rated as excellent. Perhaps Waiheke Island is the future for Syrah in NZ. 20Aug2002.

Matariki Reserve Syrah 2000 Deep colour - purple black with bright crimson-purple rims. Lovely spicy aromas on warm berries and creamy oak. Very firm, dry spicy tannins, lovely sweet cherry and plum fruit. Big, mouthfilling, bready, soft, well structured and balanced with lovely crisp spice. Good and nice fruit leather complexity from the skins and lovely fruit emerging on the finish. A young wine now looking a safe cellaring proposition. 100% Gimblett Road fruit. 39% new oak. $40. 21Feb2002.
Developing beautifully since last tasted (above) with cedary, tarry, smoky complexities combining with deliciously sweet ripe fruit that wins on the day. Spice, cherries, raspberries, smoke and musk on the nose, sweet musky fruit in the ripe, rounded palate. Leather comes through on the finish and lingers with a spicy glow. A dry, savoury yet very fruity wine with a persistent finish. Very, very good. $29.50. 11Oct2003.

Mills Reef 'Elspeth' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2000 Densely coloured bright crimson/red/black. It's a big leathery, spicy wine that leaves lovely flavours lingering in the mouth long after the wine is swallowed. A biscuity yeastiness, red fruits, plum, spice, cedary French oak, firm sweet tannins and a creamy texture. A very good, rich wine, full and long. 16Nov2001.
Densely purple. Violets and smoky French-like oak on the nose. A touch of oiliness. Structured and powerful with choc, white pepper, plums, meat juices and a rich textural complexity. Sweet, ripe and firm with velvety tannins. A little herbal like Herbs de Provence on roast meat cooked with grapes plus a lovely array of sweet berry fruit lingering with the smoky oak. Magnificent! $40. 27Mar2002.

Mission Gimblett Road Reserve Syrah 2000 Purple red, Raspberry, plums, blackberry and cracked pepper on the nose, it's creamy on the palate with savoury oak, a touch of olive and smoke, firm tannins and a leathery fruit finish with a sweetly fragrant rose petal nuance. Some tar too. Good wine. Nice development. 29Aug2003.

Murdoch James Estate Shiraz 2000 This has the deep colour of a young Shiraz with ruby hues. There's plenty of creamy white pepper and musky spice on the nose and intensely lifted fruit in the palate with mint, spice, creamy red berries, plums and delicious integration of oak. It is big and meaty with plenty of sweet fruit, spice and structure. A very attractive wine with lingering spice. 14.5% alc. $40. 2Oct2001.
Fragrant aroma with a floral nuance. Rich and creamy with spicy oak, a touch of sweet leather, redcurrant and plum fruit, an earthy note and a long sweetish, creamy finish. Very ripe and lifted, this is a good example of the complex structure that this grape can produce. The quality of the vintage shows through. 16Nov2001.

Murdoch James Fraser Vineyard Shiraz 2000 Tasted from a magnum, this has a smoky, dried pepper aroma with a touch of bottle funk and it's dry in the palate with a touch of leather at first. It needs decanting to let the funk dissipate and lots of swirling and a gorgeous big glass helps me speed this up to let the rich, ripe berry fruit show off. There’s even a hint of Black Boy peach in there and a touch of rose petal muskiness that adds a lovely floral tone to the fruit-sweet, creamy finish. It's a dry wine with pepper and Asian spices lingering on the beautifully long, drawn out finish where some attractive earthy notes add to its appeal. 26Jul2006.

Muddy Water Syrah 2000 (Waipara) Lightly coloured, cherry and youthful. Toasty vanillin aromas with a lovely fragrant nuance and delicate but firm spices. 17Sep2001.

Okahu Estate Kaz Shiraz 2000 Sweet, musky, quite fragrant with white pepper, violets and smoky creamy oak. Ripe juicy fruit with some meaty notes emerging on finish. Good wine with good potential. 20Aug2002.

Peninsula Estate Zeno Waiheke Island Syrah 2000 A very ripe tasting Syrah, lots of berries, sweet leather, vanillin French oak and a cherry chocolate complexity, it's ripe and juicy with lingering blackberries. Good!. 13% alc. 26Aug2003.

Pohutu Lodge Syrah 2000 Medium depth red colour, lively red fruits, peppery spice, firm tannins and lingering creamy vanillin oak. A blend of Gisborne and Te Araroa grapes made by Brenda Ramage of Te Araroa. 8 Mar2003.

Schubert Hawkes Bay Syrah 2000 This is quite an intensely flavoured syrah - quite creamy and full-bodied with pepper, crisp raspberry spices and very rich tannins. Would benefit from cellaring. 20Aug2002.
Deep blackberry in colour with ripe jammy fruit, lots of peppery spice, ripe tarry tannins, creamy oak and a long mouthfilling finish. $45. 22 Feb2003.

Stonecroft Crofters Syrah 2000 An oily nose at first, then floral aromatics and peppery spice. Sweet crackling berry fruit - cherryish in the dry spicy palate with firm tannins and spicy cool climate Syrah character. Creamy texture. Good length with lingering flavours of blue and blackberry and a touch of olive. Good wine for the price. Alan explains the pricing structure. The syrah grapes from the 2000 vintage did not have the weight and concentration for the flagship Stonecroft Syrah - there had been too much fruit on vine and the crop was not thinned enough. With the good growing season they took in more fruit than expected as the bunch weights were high. Not wanting to make a middle tier price wine, the grapes were destined to the Crofters label - hence this wine is really an exceptional NZ syrah for the price. $19. 16Feb2002.

Te Awa Farm Longlands Syrah 2000 (Hawkes Bay). Purple red. Quite subtle at first in the mouth. Creamy, peppery fruit, pretty ripe with plum and toasty integrated oak. Crisp spice on the finish. Very nice and slips down quite easily. 17Sep2001.
Fragrant vanillin cedar aromas with wafts of spicy fruit. Quite a big weighty, meaty, earthy, creamy wine in the mouth but the emerging fruit is long and succulent. 19Aug2002.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2000 Good dense red colour with raspberry rims. White pepper spice and meaty aromas then very smooth and creamy when first in the mouth. It's a little cedary with lovely cherry and plum fruit hinting to blackberry with ripe firm fruit tannins and hints of savoury meat. But the peppery spice is the highlight of this wine. And it's just so creamy. Yum. The finish is very, very long and that lovely spice character lingers with the fragrance of old rose. I'd like to try this with a slice of aromatic salami wrapped around some soft cheese. A single vineyard wine. 13.0% alcohol. ~NZ$37-40. 26Mar2002.
Deep, deep red. Fragrant, a little musky, spicy, cedary. Quite crisp with cracked berry fruit, herbs, lavender, spice. Lifted and fragrant with still youthful, biscuity tannins and a leathery note to the smoky finish. Very primary with lovely weight and elegance. 13% alc. 10Oct2005.

Trinity Hill Black Label Gimblett Road Syrah 2000 Creamy berry aromas with a myriad of fruit fragrances from strawberries through to blackberries. Creamy in the palate too with fruitcake spice and forward juicy fruit over an earthy integrated spicy oak layer and a lifted fruit acidity on the medium to firm tannin finish. Raspberry flavours linger. Very good indeed. $34.95. 6May2002.
Medium dense colour. Peppery aromas with a rosy fragrance. Beautifully structured creamy wine with sweet leather, pepper and exotic spices. Finishes with a lifted fragrance and floral notes linger with the spicy berry flavours. 19Aug2002.
Quite a bright but dense red colour with purple-black hues. Macerated fruit aromas a little like fruitcake with maraschino cherry and spiced blackberries, a dash of black pepper and the slightest hint of rose petal musk. The oaky scents smell quite creamy. There's a spicy character upfront in the mouth with crisp black pepper and firm ripe tannins. The fruit is like blackberries straight of the vine, crisp but sweet with just a little tinge of acidity but with a long underlying flavour. There's a dense layer of meaty oak as well. This is a flavoursome wine just waiting to unfold. There's a floral (rose petal? carnation?) character that lingers on the firm spicy, savoury and creamy finish. 14Dec2002.

Crossroads Classic Syrah 1999 Dark red colour with blackberry red rims. Good pepper aromas and pepper continues into the palate along with sweet spices. Dry, woody oak and blackberry, plum and raspberry fruit. Medium weight. Lingers well. 6 Jul 2001

Dry River Arapoff Syrah 1999 Good depth of colour with a crimson-rose hue to the meniscus. Attractive aromas of pepper, violet and cherry prepare for the taste that follows. There's rich peppery spice in the palate, then a burst of floral and a sweet fruit with savoury herbs. A meaty richness in an elegant kind of way combines with juicy citrus and stone fruits followed by the richness of Christmas cake fruits. Classy oak integrates well with the round flavours and firm tannins and the lingering aftertaste is of peppery spice. ($43.00). 18Mar2001.

Karaka Point Vineyard Shiraz 1999 Developed in colour and flavour with pepper spices, there's some sweeter Aussie-style traits with chocolate, mocha and cinnamon. Charry oak lingers on the finish. Seems to lack somewhat in fruit 21Aug2003.

Matakana Estate Syrah 1999 Deep crimson red and exuding fragrant aromas of pepper, cinnamon, cloves and sweet cherry fruit. A burst of freshly cracked black pepper in the mouth along with sweet cherry, plum and wild blackberry, smoky oak, meaty tannins, a hint of olive, dried roses and a dry finish with a creamy aftertaste. Sweet fruit lingers. About $30 ex-winery. May2001.

Matariki Gimblett Rd Syrah 1999 Dense red with bright crimson rims. Smoky and peppery, with a creamy nuance. Pepper and creamy spice, touch of boot polish, ripe plum and raspberry. Nice depth. A menthol leathery nuance that lingers with the fruit. $30. 6Feb2002.

Matariki Syrah 1999 ($29.95) Gorgeous, light carmine red colour. Chocolaty aromas. Lots of peppers in the palate - white, black, red and green crushed peppercorn. Fruits of cherries, plums and blackberries combine to make a fruit-filled spicy drop. Dry tannins. Very fruity with a touch of soapy citrus (acidity) lingering on the finish. OK for an NZ Syrah. FG 14Oct2000.
Another tasting - Perfumed floral with a creamy spicy berry nose, Sweet ripe peppery fruit with a silky, almost velvety texture. 3 bottles tried. A fair amount of bottle variation. First bottle corked. 2nd bottle the best which I used for these notes. 7 Mar 2001

Mills Reef 'Elspeth' Reserve Syrah 1999 Deep rich violet red colour. Aromas that exude freshly cracked pepper. It's warming in the palate with at first the flavour of smooth vanillin oak alongside firm dry tannins. Then, about a minute after has the wine been swallowed and the saliva starts working on the tannin residue in the mouth, the fruit starts to appear as a sweet flirtation. On the next sip the mouth is ready and the fruit is there in full frontal mode - sweet ripe raspberry, blueberry and strawberry with a touch of tar and roses. As the mouth gets used to the tannin the flavour is sweet and creamy with crackling spice and good acid balance. This youthful wine has excellent potential. NZ$32.50 ex-winery. June 2001

Peninsula Estate 'Gilmour' Syrah 99
Not as good as the 98 but good lifted fruit with dry berries, plums and spice. Silky texture that floats nicely across palate. Nicely integrated vanillin oak, medium palate weight soft tannins and a sweet berry lingering finish. Has potential. $39.95. 21Jan2002.

Sanderson Syrah 1999 Fragrant, cedary, spicy wine with ripe baked plum. Fruity and drinking well now. Integrated tannins and exotic spices linger. 19Aug2002.

Stonecroft Syrah 1999 Pepper leaps out on the plummy nose on this deep red, beautifully structured, wine. Soft and creamy, heading towards a velvety texture. There's a lovely ripe taste of red berries and plums and a nuance of roses with the spice of carnations. Subtle tannins with creamy oak emerge on the finish. Classy wine. 30% new oak. About $45.00 ex-vineyard. 26Feb2001

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 1999 (Hawkes Bay ). Creamy chocolate and appealing vanilla. Minty, yeasty, full, rich. Bloody good. Very ripe. 24 Jan 2001

Matariki Syrah 1998 (Hawkes Bay, NZ). Good colour. Nice spicy berry fruit and smooth ripe fruit, bready berry tannins and pleasing ripe length. One of the best examples of New Zealand Syrah that I have ever tasted. 19/2/2000.

Morton Estate White Label Hawkes Bay Syrah 1998 (about $17.95) is one of the best value New Zealand examples of this grape variety. Brightly coloured red with an attractive aroma that hints of raisins; it is creamy in texture with plum, spice and aniseed savouriness merging in well with the vanilla smokiness of American oak. Ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins make the wine immediately approachable. ***** March 2001

Okahu Estate Kaz Shiraz 1998 (Northland) Deep ruby red, closed on the nose with just some hints of leather and berries but anything lacking on the nose was made up for in taste. Plenty of mouthfilling sweet ripe fruit tasting of cherries, raspberries, black fleshed plums and blackberries, accompanied by a floral bouquet of violets and black and raspberry red peppercorn spice. Warm, round, full and textural with quality French oak loitering in the background adding structure and flavour but letting the fruit dominate throughout. There's a moment of tingling acidity, vaguely reminiscent of orange citrus then the wine finishes dry and mellow and chocolate emerges, together with liquorice and the merest hint of tar, to linger around for quite a while. This is a classy wine and while it is deliciously approachable in its youth, I firmly recorked the bottle after the second pour so I could try some more the following day. I found the chocolate oak, leather and liquorice were more enhanced with the potpourri of berries, cherries, plums, raspberries and blackberries quite well integrated. $50 ex-winery. WOTW 29Oct2000.

Peninsula Estate Syrah 1998 shows the variety well with peppery spice and well-balanced bright fruit flavours of cherry, red berry and plum. There's floral nuances and a good tannin structure. I was impressed in this, the 4th vintage of Syrah and retails for about $35. Aged in predominantly 2-year old oak and just 8 barrels were made. Feb2001.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 1998 A deep colour of intense young purple. Attractive aromas of roses, currants and subtle oak. No real spicy notes, or perhaps just a hint. Port-like flavours in the palate from the very rich, very ripe fruit. Where are the tannins? - the wine is just so ripe and smooth. It is very fruity with flavours of blackberry, raspberry and red plums. Smooth and creamy on the finish and emitting some licorice-like complexities. 7Mar2000.
Deep garnet coloured with good density, aromas of spicy mellowed oak with a hint of old rose and a delicate infusion of bouquet garni. There's a richness to the flavour and texture with a hint of mint, plummy fruit, meaty oak, nutmeg and hints of Asian spices with only a suggestion of pepper that becomes more obvious on the spicy, leathery finish. Very long, very tasty and hanging in well. Very good. 13.5% alc. 10Oct2005.

Dry River Martinborough Syrah 1997
This is Dry River's first release of a Syrah, and it's a very good wine, indeed. The colour is a bright, black cherry on the rim with a red-black (ruby coloured) centre. The aroma is floral and in the palate the flavour is of peppery, powerful, spicy berry fruit with layers of chocolates. Soft, yet powerful. The wine finishes dry with excellent length, floral persistence and hints of spice. $33. WOTW 28Mar1999.

Fromm La Strada Syrah 1997 Stinky, earthy, thick & tarry, faulty. grubby. Where is the fruit? There is none but some rosehip notes emerging. 24 Jan 2001

Stonecroft Syrah 1989 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter part of the blend because it was needed to top off the one barrel of this wine. Made in the era when 'big is better' so had lots of extraction. A fragrant wine, though well into its secondary phase and without any distinct Syrah varietal definition. Smooth and creamy in the palate, lots of leather, then a sweet core of fruit, good tannins still and a long finish. From Alan Limmer's cellar. 29Feb2004.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 1996 Fading in its tawny-red colour, this has an intriguing aroma that changes every time I smell it but the dominant scents are floral with oily herbs. The flavours are meaty, earthy and spicy with grippy, grainy tannins and a burst of chocolate on the tarry, savoury finish. It has a lovely fine structure and although not easily discernible as Syrah, it is a warm, ripe and very drinkable wine. 13.5% alc. 10Oct2005.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 1992 Tawny hues and mellow cedary aromas with no discernible fruit or spice, though there's a vinous sweetness to the fragrance. In the palate there's an appealing macerated cherry flavour with a hint of liquorice, mellow oak, orange zest on the finish and a mellow cedary earthy character as it lingers. The tannins are smooth and integrated. 12.5% alc. 10Oct2005.