A friend recently told me he was enjoying Hawkes Bay syrah as a change from pinot noir. It can be exciting to explore other varieties. Here are some syrah/shiraz, merlot and cabernet blends.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
An Australian shiraz from a cool part of Victoria, this has generous, spicy fruit hinting of plums and raspberry jam, supple tannins and a fresh finish.
brownbrothers.com.au
$20
Three and a half stars
Good value
A youthful wine with sweet red fruits and plums, spicy oak, a hint of dark chocolate and herbs, and a youthful liveliness.
brownbrothers.com.au
$25
Three and a half stars
Average value
Hints of blackcurrants and elderberries with an underlying suggestion of fennel and toffee, this simple wine has attractive ripe fruit and a lively edge.
millsreef.co.nz
$30
Three and a half stars
Average value
Hints of spice, new leather and freshly roasted coffee, sweet ripe fruit with lingering dark undertones, integrated oak and a long, lively aftertaste. This has benefited from three years bottle age.
pegasusbay.com
$40
Four stars
Average value
A whiff of white pepper on the nose, lovely purity of fruit - plums, dark red berries - a hint of dark chocolate, a lively edge, supple tannins and a long, stylish finish.
crossroadswines.co.nz
$50
Four and a half stars
Average value
Talisman, Crossroads' flagship, is an undisclosed blend, but this vintage there's a definite whiff of white pepper characteristic of Hawkes Bay syrah, along with lovely dark fruit, a silky texture, fine-grained, dusty tannins and a long, fresh finish. A stylish wine that will develop with several years' cellaring.
crossroadswines.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Brown Brothers 18 Eighty Nine Victoria Merlot 2012
$20
three stars (out of five)
average value
Attractive red fruits with background spice and mineral notes, medium bodied with supple tannins and an easy finish.
brownbrothers.com.au
Brown Bros Patricia Victoria Shiraz 2009
$55
four and a half stars (out of five)
average value
At five years old this shows classic Australian shiraz characters of eucalyptus, pipe tobacco and dark cherries, with suggestions of toffee and cherry brandy. It's rich, intense, mature, with a dry, textural, lively finish.
brownbrothers.com.au
