This line up of Australian shirazes and New Zealand syrahs shows how an extra year's bottle age can make a big difference, mellowing any rough edges and integrating the components.
BEST UNDER $20
$17
This Australian wine hints of mint and berry jam, and has a firm structure and clean finish.
three stars (out of five)
good value
www.wyndhamestate.com.au
BEST UNDER $20
$19.99
At three years old, this reserve (as opposed to the regular Jacobs Creek) has lots of attractive spicy oak, hints of blueberries and cherries, and firm, dusty tannins.
three stars (out of five)
good value
www.jacobscreek.com
$19
With a hint of toasty oak and flavours reminiscent of cherry confection, this simple, light wine is pleasantly structured with a clean finish.
two stars (out of five)
below average value
www.brownbrothers.com.au
$29
This is dark and brooding, with spicy oak, a velvety texture and lively edge. A young wine, that may benefit from another year's bottle age.
four stars (out of five)
average value
www.tekairanga.co.nz
$50
Firm and finely textured with a peppery edge, dark plum and berry fruit, spicy oak, and a long aftertaste, this fine wine will definitely benefit from another year or two's bottle age.
four stars (out of five)
average value
www.sacredhill.com
$40
At three years old this is beautifully integrated with layers of flavour, spice, dark fruit, dark chocolate, coffee, hints of pepper and savoury undertones. It's rich, balanced, powerful but restrained, elegant with supple tannins and a long aftertaste.
five stars (out of five)
good value
www.millsreef.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Wyndham Estate Bin 515 Shiraz Viognier 2008
$17
The small proportion of viognier adds fragrance to this simple, fruity wine with a clean finish.
two stars (out of five)
below average value
www.wyndhamestate.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.
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
