I try: Te Awanga Estate 2011 Syrah & Merlot

Nothing says warm winter nights in our house better than a truly exceptional Pinot Noir, usually teamed with and equally wonderful meal and a soft, cosy rug. It is my favourite wine variant by far, and I’m super fussy about my favourite tipples so when a winner comes my way I am fast a loyal fan.

It takes a lot to turn me onto another style of red, but I have to say that just a few sips of the Te Awanga Estate 2011 Syrah and I was hooked. What a juicy, warm, lovely drop indeed, with white pepper and thyme aromas that lead into a palate that is full and rounded. Plum, cassis and smoky flavours give way to the attractive savoury character so often seen in good Syrah, and this one was opened, sipped, shared and much loved.

I was also lucky enough to try the Te Awanga Estate 2011 Merlot, once again a wine variant that I wouldn’t opt for first time but absolutely loved. This one has ten year cellaring potential but lasted all of an evening with a couple of friends at mine, a riot of currant, cassis and spice characters and a full palate rounding the whole shebang out.

Sorry Pinot Noir to have gone behind your back, but I’m so glad that I did…