Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 - 8 $70

TOP NZ SYRAH

★★★★★

THIS WINE IS A BLEND OF TWO of Villa Maria’s premium vineyards grown in the Gimblett Gravels; Newton and Omahu Gravels. The renowned free-draining soils of the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay have a well-earned reputation for quality and this wine is no exception. The grapes for this 100% syrah were picked following one of the warmest Hawke’s Bay summers on record. Despite some rain pressure earlier in vintage, the later-ripening reds, such as this syrah, were picked in ideal conditions and the extra ripening time ensured concentration of flavour and excellent grape quality at harvest. Post-fermentation this wine spent one year in french oak (30% new) and was bottled in July 2019.

This wine delighted the judges, with head judge Ben Glover declaring it to be “the business!” High praise from the chief, but also recognition from the other members of the panel with this wine being seen as a supreme example of what New Zealand can do as a cool-climate syrah producer.

The fruit is bright in the glass against the deep, dark colour of the wine. Delicately perfumed and fragrant with dark berries and a slight herbal character on the nose, yet on

2 / Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 ★★★★★ - 5 $25

A stunning wine that could very easily be compared to the top wine as a sassy little syrah sister. Where the Reserve is robust, relaxed and a bit more ‘grown up’, this example is bright with juicy red-fruit characteristics, spicy pepper and the naivety of youth. This is wonderfully vibrant with beautiful fruit and interwoven tannins.

3 / Haha 2019 Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019

★★★★★ - 3 $25

Outstandingly good value from this beautiful syrah from the Bridge Pa subregion. Vibrant and fresh, showing vivid red fruits and pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied with lovely plum and savoury characters on the palate with a long luscious finish. An elegant syrah displaying quite the lust for life.

4 / Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Syrah 2018 (Hawke’s Bay) ★★★★★ - 6 $40

An extremely succulent Hawke’s Bay syrah. A dark, deep-coloured wine, it

5 / Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018 (Hawke’s Bay) ★★★★ - 7 $40

Lovely red berry and spicy aromatics on the nose followed up with finesse and purity of dark fruit on the palate. Fantastically handled fruit resulting in elegant, sweet yet dark and savoury fruit flavours. Refreshing and lively acidity with juicy tannins and great oak integration make this an remarkably moreish syrah.

6 / Saint Clair James Sinclair Syrah 2019 (Hawke’s Bay) ★★★★ - 2 $28

From the hallowed Gimblett Gravels, this is an inviting, deep, ruby-red wine with a vibrant nose of cherries, redcurrants and dark fruits with spicy white pepper. Very fresh and youthful with dynamic acidity supporting the fresh, juicy, redfruit flavours. Intended for drinking now or within the next couple of years.

7 / Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2018 (Hawke’s Bay) ★★★★ - 3 $25

Grown in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels, this wine represents exceptional value for money. A very comfortable and accessible example of a ‘serious’ syrah with