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.

Beautifully sculpted, racy, red-and-blackberry-fruit along with a lifted rosehip note as well, and some inky depths on the driven finish. Gets more and more perfumed and lively with air, it's another terrific effort from one of Australia's most gifted wine people. The wine, naturally fermented with a judicious use of whole clusters (on average 30%) in a combination of stainless steel, wood and concrete fermenters, also sees a shorter maturation than the Esprit and Bête Noir, et al. The 2018 was cropped from five high, exposed parcels in the Barossa and Eden Valley, where the soils are generally poor and skeletal - for the most part light, gravelly and silty sands over deeply weathered base rocks of varied origins. Vine age varies from 25 to 115 years old (averaging 50 years old), and all fruit is hand harvested. Spinifex was started in 2001 with the opportunity to source some great old vine Mataro growing in deep white drift-sand on the Barossa Valleys Western Ridge. Owned by husband and wife team, Peter Schell and Magali Gely, their focus is on regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years - Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon. They aim to make wines that display signatures of vineyard provenance and vintage, show regional typicity and have a consistent thread of 'house style' that reflects their preferences and experiences with wine. The wines they choose to make are predominately blends, the synergies derived from blending wines of differing character enhance the subtle complexities, even textures and profound personalities delivered from great old vine vineyards.

The Leston Vineyard is the home of Howard Park in the Margaret River and produces a Shiraz that is plush and youthful with a sweet fruit palate married with delicious underlying spice and oak intergration.

Church Road is one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand. Led by legendary winemaker Tom McDonald, they were one of the first to craft exceptional Bordeaux-style red wine in Hawkes Bay. Today, they still maintain Toms vision of quality and craft in all the wines they make. Church Roads commitment to centuries-old winemaking techniques using French oak wine vats and French oak barriques remains undiminished. The winery is celebrating Tom McDonalds vision and legacy with the Church Road McDonald Series, complex, textural wines that are a fitting tribute to a legend whose influence is still felt today. This is a serious, multidimensional Merlot. The heart of this wine is its dense, brooding plum and dark berry fruit. This is complimented by lifted aromas reminiscent of roses, cedar, sandalwood and warm spice, while the oak delivers underlying dark chocolate and savoury notes. The palate is rich, weighty and long driven by a firm yet fine-grained tannin structure.

Church Road is one of Hawke's Bay's pioneering wineries, and its McDonald Series wines celebrate one of its original owners from the early 1900s, Tom McDonald, and his entrepreneurial spirit. New for Vintage Cellars, Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Gris is a hedonistic style with its rich perfume and texture and a seductive natural sweetness balanced by a touch of spice on the finish. Appealing ripe pear, peach, rose petal, ginger and warm spice aromas are evident on the nose, complimented by subtle creamy complexity. On the palate the wine is lush and full bodied with a moderate level of sweetness balanced by gentle acidity and a touch of ginger spice on the finish.

Tasting Note: Deep garnet with crimson edges. Aromatically, blueberry, lavender, aniseed, and a flicker of black pepper. The palate is vivid and finely structured: lush fruit threaded with tannin and tension.

: Classic aromas of peaches and cream take centre stage, complemented by hints of roasted hazelnut and acacia. The palate is rich and layered, showcasing ripe fruit flavours, a touch of nougat, and a long, lingering finish.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.

Each vintage we select small batches of exceptional grapes which we craft into our Small Parcels range. This Chardonnay reflects the elegant landscape surrounding our Hawke’s Bay vineyards as well as the complexity of the wild fermentation method. Stone fruit and citrus aromas are enhanced by baking spice and brioche from regular battonage in fine French oak barriques. Concentrated, taut and mineral with a silken texture. Honeysuckle blossoms and vanilla with toasted hazelnuts and a hint of butter. This wine has well balanced acidity which leaves the palate refreshed.

Coriole has been the pioneer of this variety in Australia - and for good reason! Spicy dark cherry and plum flavours, the palate is perfectly balanced with dusty drying tannins.

A lovely and unusual Sauvignon Blanc from Hawkes Bay. It is barrel-fermented with a touch of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris. This wine has aromas of citrus blossom, pear and stone fruit and will evolve in the bottle for five years from harvest.