Elephant Hill, Syrah 2013
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Dry Red, Screwcap, 13.5% abv(2016) Though wine is made across New Zealand's North and South Islands, the North is now producing excellent examples of the 'bigger' red wine styles - Bordeaux and Rhône-style reds. Hawkes Bay has emerged as a centre of excellence for the Syrah grape, and this is a fine example, so aromatic with its lifted pepper and violet notes offset by the juiciest cherry and blackberry fruit. On the palate the oak is beautifully polished, it has that hint of balsamic, meat-stocky character, but copious fruit set against the smooth tannin and acid backdrop. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.