Penny’s Hill ‘The Veteran’ Very Old Fortified

Penny’s Hill ‘The Veteran’ Very Old Fortified $42  This South Australian fortified shiraz oozes aromas of rose caramel, toffee and manuka honey lead to deep raisin and Christmas pudding spices followed by a smooth, silky finish.  For local stockists visit www.federalgeo.co.nz

Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010

Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010 $22  Inspired by the Rugby World Cup, winemaker Steve Gill says it’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok and deep fried wallaby and also “to wash down any English puddings”.  Ripe and robust, peppery and smooth, it’s dangerously easy to drink.  Created as a hearty, ribsticking wine to enjoy [...]

Alpha Domus ‘The Barnstormer’ Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010

Alpha Domus The Barnstormer HB Syrah 2010 $27  A sexy, glossy magenta-coloured wine oozing aromas of freshly ground black pepper, roast beef and ripe berryfruit.  It is deliciously silky to drink and boasts fresh blackberry and liquorice flavours with a smoky undercurrent which leads to a long finish complete with clinging, muscular tannins.  A lovely match [...]

Brown Brothers Shiraz 2009

Brown Brothers Shiraz 2009 $18  A classic, super-drinkable shiraz  from Australia’s oldest family-owned winery.  Stewed plum, pepper and roast beef aromas lead to a ripe, spicy mouthfeel which makes it very easy to drink.  Regularly discounted to $13 – $15 in supermarkets, it represents fantastic value for money and definitely won’t disappoint.  Widely available www.brownbrothers.com.au

Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2009

Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2009 $55  This is fast becoming a bit of a superstar where Gimblett Gravels syrah is concerned, winemaker Tony Bish and his team have well and truly got world-class syrah in their sights and they’ve got the skills to achieve it.  Beautiful magenta-black colour and oozing deliciously peppery, violet, plum and [...]