Vidal Reserve Syrah 2013, Hawke’s Bay, Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand

Vidal Reserve Syrah 2013, Hawke’s Bay, Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand

Elegant savoury dark cherry fruits and spicy black peppers with a very attractive grainy texture and some drying tannins on the finish. An impressive almost European style of wine.

It was certainly much better with food, in my case a roast guinea fowl.

Gimblett Gravels has emerged as one of the best places in New Zealand to produce red grapes (leaving Pinot Noir aside). The deep gravel soils produce perfectly ripe wines with uniquely savoury flavours and balanced alcohol levels – this wine is 13.5%. They are well worth seeking out. At €17.35 this is something of a bargain, and should appeal to fans of the Northern Rhône. Available from Winesoftheworld.ie.