The Old Vine Syrah patch was planted in the 1930s and is on a slope of the property with a westerly aspect. These old gnarly vines are planted in heavily decomposed ironstone and quartz. The style of wine is completely individual and the winemaking team always comment on how light the style is and how exotic the spices are in this vineyard. The spices come across like incense mixed with deeply aromatic and smoky lapsang oolong tea. Exotic characters such as sandalwood, cocoa powder, sarsaparilla and cola elements top the roast meat and flinty, strawberry and cream palette of this wine. The lighter frame on this style is highly attractive and the intoxicating spices combine to create something highly exotic.

PIERRE JEAN VILLA Esprit d'Antan Syrah, Collines Rhodanienn

Deep red with a bright purple edge, Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 has an incredibly inviting fragrance of dark cherry, raspberry, vanilla and allspice. The palate is immediately fullflavoured; a celebration of fresh boysenberry, blueberry, mocha and fine tannin that extends to a long and satisfying finish. With an exquisite level of detail and finesse, Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 is the perfect addition to any occasion. Estate Vineyards Syrah '18 was harvested between 19 March and 17 April 2018 from Te Mata Estate's own vineyards in Hawke's Bay's Bridge Pa and Woodthorpe Terraces Triangle sub-regions. The individual parcels of syrah from each plot were destemmed for fermentation and remained on skins for extended maceration before pressing. It was then run off to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for five months' maturation, during which time it was regularly topped and racked. The wine received a traditional egg white fining before bottling. Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. A temperate maritime climate with low rainfall, due to the rain shadow from mountains to the west, ensures Te Matas sites make the most of every vintage. At the heart of Te Mata Estate are the Havelock Hills Vineyards - the first legally-protected vineyards in New Zealand. Te Mata has five sites on these free draining, north-facing slopes. Soils to the east are mostly sandy loam over a sandstone base, and towards the west are sandy loam over a thin layer of clay and a silica pan. The distinctive shape of the hills is due to their comparative youth, in geological terms. At the meeting point of two tectonic plates, sandstone has been pushed up then worn away relatively quickly leaving a landscape of steep and gentle slopes, and terraces ideal for grape-growing. Under vine for over 120 years, and including some of the oldest grape growing sites in New Zealand, the Havelock Hills are protected for their distinct character, special ambience and unique viticultural heritage.

Intense ripe red fruit on the nose with hints of vanilla. Soft and harmonious on the palate, it is ideal with Mediterranean cuisine and spicy foods. Best served at room temperature.

Made by Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné, one of the flagship producers of France's Rhone Valley - a vast Mediterranean region with an incredible diversity of landscapes and grape varieties. This Syrah is the perfect expression of its region: southern in character yet fresh, dense, and fruit-driven. Bright ruby red in appearance with an expressive nose of ripe red fruit and blueberries, complimented by spicy and floral notes. The palate is smooth and generous, dominated by flavours of black cherries. An excellent representation of the freshness of fruit and complex, peppery spice that can be found in Rhone Syrah.

DOMAINE BELLE Roche Pierre , Crozes-Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

Clear. pink reflective colour. Citrus and white floer aromas on the nose with mild spicess. In the mouth, the attack is elegant, reminding you of Mediterranean flavours. the fruit is well combined with minerality, espressing softly before a perfectly full finish. Suggested pairings: A fresh summer salad of lobster; crayfish in saffron; freshly made Gariguette strawberry zabaglione.