Some of Hawkes Bay's finest reds, including a number of top flight syrahs come from the
Gimblett Gravels sub region. The purity of fruit from the cool climate produces more elegant
wine than the riper shiraz from across the Tasman in the Barossa, which, however, is often good
value.
Jacobs Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2008, $21
- three and a half stars (out of five)
- Good value
The reserve label of this ubiquitous brand is worth looking out for. With hints of pepper and
mint, oodles of ripe dark fruits (plum and blackberries) underpinned by oak, a savory
undertone and firm tannins, it's a typical attractive Barossa shiraz.
www.jacobscreek.com
The People's Wine Barossa Shiraz 2009, $22
three and a half stars (out of five)
good value VVV
Attractive fruit suggesting ripe plums, dark berries and strawberry jam with savoury
undertones, a hint of spice and firm, lingering tannins.
www.thepeopleswine.co.nz
four stars (out of five)
average value
A hint of pepper and violets with spicy oak supporting lovely fruit (dark and red berries),
initially soft in the mouth but well structured with a firm finish.
www.frommwinery.co.nz
four stars (out of five)
average value VV
With generous dark fruit, hints of pepper and spice and a savoury undertone, this is rich and
mouthfilling, harmonious and well structured with a supple finish. Delicious.
www.millsreef.co.nz
four stars and a half stars (out of five)
average value VV
An impressive, inky wine oozing dark berries, pepper, hints of dark chocolate and toasty oak,
this is concentrated and powerful with a firm grip on the finish. Will develop with a year or
two's bottle age.
www.manowarvineyards.co.nz
four and a half stars (out of five)
below average value V
One of the pinnacles of New Zealand syrah, this youthful but complex wine sports dark soft
fruit floating above a stylish structure and grippy tannins. A classy, impressive wine that will
reach its full potential in another few years.
www.craggyrange.com
ANOTHER GLASS
Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Vineyard Syrah 2009, $45
Four stars (out of five)
average value VV
A silky textured wine with a peppery edge, bright red berry fruit and lively oak, a savoury undertone with a hint of licorice and a crisp but harmonious finish. Two thirds of the barrels this was aged in were American oak which brings a different character to this red-labelled wine from the original Elspeth syrah (see above) which is aged entirely in French oak.
www.millsreef.co.nz
Mission Huchet Hawkes Bay Syrah 2007, $100
four stars (out of five)
below average value V
This wine, a tribute to Cyprian Huchet who came to New Zealand from France in 1871 and was the first winemaker at Mission Estate in Hawkes Bay, takes the company to a new level of quality and aspiration. It's concentrated with a velvety texture and generous brambly fruit and hints of mint cushioning the powerful structure and fine-grained tannins on the long finish. It will develop over several years.
www.huchetwine.co.nz
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
- charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
