James Syrah 2008
NZD $46.95NZD $39.95
Martinborough
A new addition to Colin Carruthers’ Red Bank Estate and frankly, outstanding Syrah, one of the best around! Styled in the Cotes du Rhone, it’s peppery with black olive, excellent depth and structure. Even though it is drinking very well now, it will also cellar for another 3-4 years. Taking into account the high price of New Zealand Syrahs, this really offers excellent value for money.
Septima Syrah 2011
NZD $19.95NZD $18.95
Mendoza
Some of you will be familiar with this Bodegas for offering excellent Malbec. However it doesn’t stop there, this Syrah’s style is pretty much along the lines of a Cotes du Rhone in being peppery, with hints of black olive and tappinade, medium to full bodied with lifted upfront fruit. Perfectly balanced with excellent texture, although a little young at the moment it will age beautifully over the next few years. So for lovers of good Cotes du Rhone or New Zealand Syrah, this is for you.
Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2011
NZD $39.95NZD $34.95
Rhone Valley
Just landed the new release 2011 and as always the wine is made from 100% Syrah from very low yielding vines averaging 30 years old. The viticulture is quite rustic and artisan therefore allowing the wine to express its true terroir characteristics. On appearance it has a very deep almost black with hints of ruby colour with an array of dry herbs, black olive and roasted red pepper. On the palate it is balance and juicy almost chunky with mineral notes and tapenade. It will evolve over the next 4-5 years.
Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2011
NZD $59.95NZD $44.95
Hawkes Bay
Bullnose ‘11 has a bright magenta colour, with aromas and flavours of fresh raspberry, red cherry, cinnamon and allspice. The delightful palate is immediately satisfying with layered red berry and plum flavours, infused with sandalwood and vanilla, and a finely textured, sustained tannin finish. Savoury red meat dishes, game, lamb (New Zealand of course!), also firm cheeses. Bullnose ‘11 will continue to evolve in bottle for eight years from harvest.
Bruno Thierry Cotes du Rhone 2010
NZD $22.95NZD $19.95
Rhone Valley
Another of our latest arrivals from the outstanding producer of Bruno Thierry, a producer that has been making wine in the Rhone Valley since 1985. This is very much their straightforward Cotes du Rhone made from mainly Syrah and a little Grenache however when it comes to quality versus price, it is unbeatable, medium to full bodied with hints of black pepper, tapenade and dry herbs, its focused with vibrant acidity, very well balanced and structured. A wine that will sit very comfortably along other Syrah at $30 plus. Drink now or keep for another 2-3 years.
Bruno Thierry Cairanne 2009
NZD $27.95NZD $24.95
Rhone Valley
Cairanne, a relatively new appellation within the Cotes du Rhone, makes wines mainly from Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre. The 2009 is an excellent vintage which is starting to drink superbly now however with another 2 or 3 years it will only get better. Medium to full bodied with good concentration, balance and backbone. Wonderful aromas of thyme, pepper and roasted capsicum are very prominent but it is not only about fruit flavours, it also has excellent depth, length and beautiful balance. Drink now or over the next 4-5 years.
