A delightful Syrah from New Zealand.
Vidal is a boutique winery, wholly owned by George Fistonich of Villa Maria fame. Produced from 100% Syrah grown on the famed Gimblett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay, this wine spends 18 months in French oak to produce a soft, rounded yet overtly fruity style of Syrah.
In the press:
"The syrahs of Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay are coming of age and developing their own identity rather than just imitating the Rhône. And although still young, this shows where they're headed. With pepper and spice, plenty of dark cherry/blackberry fruit and soft supple tannins it's surprisingly forward. Drink now with roast lamb shank and dauphinoise potatoes or tuck away for a few months."
Jonathan Ray, The Daily Telegraph, 20 February 2010 (2007 vintage)