I met up with some wine-loving friends for dinner and my contribution to the wine supply was Villa Maria’s 2008 Cellar Selection syrah from Hawke’s Bay, another acquisition from my recent trip to NZ. Everyone contributed their views as I jotted down my notes for this blog – spicy, peppery and very nice got several hits!

A wonderful deep red/purple plum colour, just the colour of the skin of a black plum right next to the flesh as you peel it back… A typical Hawke’s Bay syrah, it has a spicy black pepper and anise nose, but there was so much more, with layers of rose petal, red cherry and sweet berry fruits. The palate descends into savoury, cherry and blackberry flavours, and a peppery and spicy overtone, caressed with silky tannins, the flavours perfectly integrated and harmonious. A long, dry and grippy finish rounds off a delightful Villa Maria wine, a winery that has yet to disappoint.

Best food matches would be game – maybe duck, rabbit or lamb shank but the consensus in our group was that it would be perfect with kangaroo fillet – a Kiwi Aussie marriage made in – well, Hawke’s Bay and outback Australia.

Alcohol 13.5%

Tigs xxx