Syrah - more prosaically known as shiraz in Australia - is acquiring an impressive reputation in the warmer regions of N.Z. This example from Capricorn Wine Estates in Hawkes Bay (an offshoot of the high-profile Craggy Range) delivers very good quality for not too many dollars. The fruit is even said to be hand-harvested.

2005

4/5 stars from Michael Cooper (Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2007); 88/100 points from Bob Campbell MW in Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine (April 2007)

silver medal: Royal National Wine Show Canberra 2006

2004

94/100 points from Bob Campbell MW in Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine (April 2006);

silver medal: Royal NZ Easter Wine Show 2006

Winemaker’s tasting notes: "Deep ruby in colour; the nose has an explosive mix of black pepper, spice and violets underlined by a charming smoky note; rich and full in the mouth, awash with black fruits held tightly by a structure of fine tannin, with a smooth, lingering finish". 13.8% alc. Wild yeast fermented in stainless steel tanks. Matured in older French oak barrels.

2003

4.5/5 stars Winestate Magazine Australia (Oct. 2005); 4/5 stars from Michael Cooper in his Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2006; 86/100 points from Bob Campbell MW (Home and Entertaining Magazine Feb. 2005);

gold medal: Liquorland NZ Top 100 Wine Competition 2005

silver medal: Cool Climate Wine Show 2005, Royal NZ Easter Wine Show 2005, Liquorland NZ Top 100 Wine Competition 2004. With a relatively reasonable 13.5% alc., a less robust wine than the 2002

2002

93/100 from Michael Cooper in Cuisine Magazine (NZ);

gold medal: Hawkes Bay Wine Show 2003

silver medal: Air NZ Wine Awards 2003;

Tasting notes from Capricorn: "A blend of pepper, Asian spices, black fruits, and tobacco, mingle with the intense structure and concentration of the wine. The tannins leave a silky feel but are hearty enough to balance the richest of foods. A real mouthful… it is not for the faint-of-heart". Indeed, a fairly muscular red (14.2% alc.), that spent 15 months in French oak barrels, of which 35% were new.