Cuisine Wine

NZ Syrah Tasting results

08 June 2016 (Cuisine magazine Issue 177)

The latest batch of NZ syrahs boast a distinctive Kiwi identity, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell's.

New Zealand winemakers are still on a learning curve when it comes to syrah, but the outstanding 2013 and 2014 vintages have provided excellent raw materials for them to work with. Consistency isn’t yet on par with Australian shiraz, but the star-rated syrahs tasted by the Cuisine panel were a very good collection with a distinctive New Zealand identity. The ’14s seem a bit bigger and firmer than the more understated 2013 wines at the same stage, but both exhibit qualities that should support good cellaring potential.

Top 5 NZ Syrah

Villa Maria Reserve Syrah 2014

Perfection in Hawke’s Bay syrah from Villa Maria. The concentrated nose of dark berries, liquorice, spice and cola is immediately impressive.
In the mouth it translates into a lush, richly flowing, finely balanced syrah of intensity, lingering aromatic flavours, and poised sandy tannins. All it needs is bottle age to confirm its classic status.

| $60
→ more 1 View All Results in the Villa Maria Reserve Syrah 2014 Tasting

Star ratings for this tasting

» How ratings work

  • Outstanding 4
  • Excellent 2
  • Very Good 14
  • Good 19
  • No Award 30
  • Total Entries 69