tasting notes PASK DECLARATION SYRAH 2014 What a lovely bouquet of Syrah - both Rhone and Hawke’s ideas with a gravelly soil core cushioned by dark berry, plum, blue fruit and pepper. No mistaking the layer of oak with dark spices and smoke. Weighty, rich, meaty and spicy. Plenty of acidity and tannins adding texture and complexity. Long beguiling finish. So much to like about this wine. Best from today and through 2026. Points 95 RRP $50.00 Distributor: Hancocks Wine, Spirit and Beer Merchants Phone: (06) 879 7906 www.pask.co.nz
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THE LANDING BAY OF ISLANDS SYRAH 2015 Dark forest berries, toasty oak with clove and vanilla scents, baked field mushrooms, black cherry, ageing meats and a clay gravel earth core. Dry, luscious and fruity with flavours of blueberry, pepper, blackcurrant and raspberry. Plenty of acidity with ripe, firm youthful tannins, great structure and length. The complexity builds as the wine opens up in the glass. A delicious wine, quite masculine with broad shoulders, weight and power. Drink now and through 2026. Points 95 RRP $39.99 Distributor: Keith Barker Phone: (021) 270 1875 www.thelandingnz.com
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THE LANDING BAY OF ISLANDS SYRAH 2014 Great bouquet with smoked berries and meats, pepper and baked field mushroom suggestions. No mistaking the spice, clove and vanilla oak power. Dry on the palate with firm tannin and acid structure. Flavours of berries and pepper bring contrast and complexity. Warm, generous and lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2024. Points 93 RRP $39.99 Distributor: Keith Barker Phone: (021) 270 1875 www.thelandingnz.com
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SQUAWKING MAGPIE THE CHATTERER GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE’S BAY MERLOT 2016 Lovely fruity, plummy, fresh bouquet with aromas of baking spices, oak, plums, cherries and dark berries. Dry, firm, fruity and youthful with moderate tannin level, a back bone of acidity and dark berry and plum flavours. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2025. Points 91 RRP $24.95 Distributor: Squawking Magpie Phone: (06) 878 1800 www.squawkingmagpie.co.nz
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SQUAWKING MAGPIE THE CHATTERER GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH 2017 Distinctive bouquet with aromas of blackcurrant, dark raspberry and crushed cherry; some clove and vanilla toasty oak aromas. Dry on the palate with plenty of acidity and fine to moderate tannins - adding a firm youthful texture. Overall balanced and well made with moderate length and finish. Drink now and through 2024. Points 90 RRP $24.95 Distributor: Squawking Magpie Phone: (06) 878 1800 www.squawkingmagpie.co.nz
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VOLCANIC HILLS HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH 2018 Varietal, fruity, smoky and enticing bouquet. Smoked pepper and meats, raspberry and black currant. Dry and quite fruity on the palate. Moderate weight with medium+ acidity. The core of this wine is lovely with black currant and raspberry fruit flavours. Moderate length and decent finish. Drink now and through 2022. Points 89 RRP $27.95 Distributor: Volcanic Hills Winery Phone: (07) 282 2018 www.volcanichills.co.nz
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HÃHÃ HAWKE’S BAY MERLOT 2018 Great colour of deep purple and ruby; aromas to match with Doris plums and heirloom plums, fleshy dark berries and dark flowers. The oak surrounds the fruits flavours with suggestions of vanilla and clove. Easy tannins with a dusty feel, medium acidity, balanced and ready to enjoy. Best from today and through 2022. Points 89 RRP $17.99 Distributor: Hãhã Phone: (06) 833 7814 www.hahawine.co.nz
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HÃHÃ HAWKE’S BAY SYRAH 2018 Nice and gentle varietal beginning with a soft black pepper and raspberry fruited bouquet. More blackcurrant than raspberry on the palate with pepper, wood and black licorice to follow. A light smoky note adding complexity and depth. Firm tannins, plenty of acidity, well made overall. Drink now and through 2023. Points 88 RRP $24.99 Distributor: Hãhã Phone: (06) 833 7814 www.hahawine.co.nz
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Wines are scored out of 100 points and are listed in no particular order. Numbers are not indicative of a ranking.
THE SHOUT NZ | JULY 2019 | 15