515. Craggy Range, Single Vineyard Syrah Block 14 Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay, 2007

£17.08; 13.5%

I’d heard good things not only about Craggy Range’s series of New Zealand wines, but also about Syrah from Gimblett Gravels in North Island. And this does not disappoint at all. Rich, but not an Aussie Shiraz lookalike. Smooth and very drinkable tannins & balance. Lovely slightly smoky, toasty, black pepper notes, but plenty of ripe, fresh fruit. Screwcapped. Nice use of oak – gentle vanilla and cinnamon – suggesting judicious French oak application. Lovely