2009 AWARDS 2008 AWARDS TROPHY GOLD SILVER BRONZE
GOLD MEDAL CATEGORIES
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Gewurztraminer Pinot Gris Viognier Other Whites Sweet Wines Champagne & Sparkling Pinot Noir Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz Other Reds Fortified Wines View a Summary
of the
Gold Medal winners
(pdf format) 2007 AWARDS 2006 AWARDS |  New Zealand International
WINE SHOW 2008'Gold Medal Winners' Use the navigation on the left hand menu to jump between varieties.
View a summary of the Gold Medal winners in PDF format.
Chardonnay Barwang Limited Release Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2005 - NSW
Smoky, savoury, full-bodied and creamy with wild ferment complexity, citrus, oak spice and a long, dry, nutty finish. Beach House Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Peach, grapefruit and butterscotch scents meld into the full-bodied creamy, toasty oak flavours. Savoury, spicy, rich and long. Black Barn Vineyards Barrel Fermented Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Sweet cedar scents and a rich creamy palate full of nuts, figs, citrus, stonefruit and spicy oak complexities. Brands Laira Coonawarra Chardonnay 2006
Bright zesty pineapple and savoury oak scents introduce this citrussy-toned wine with tropical fruit, smoky bacon and a creamy richness. C J Pask Declaration Chardonnay 2007 - Gimblett Road
Perfumed with stonefruit and nougat, this is nutty and creamy with a smoky, savoury layer almost reminiscent of smoky bacon. Church Road Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
A profound smokiness adds extra dimension and fascination to the already complex sweet grilled stonefruits and savoury creamed nut flavours. Jacob's Creek Reeve's Point Chardonnay 2004
Distinctly Australian with lime and pineapple embellished with spicy, savoury oak and a touch of grapefruit. Very dry. Mission Vineyard Selection Clifton Road Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Smoky scented and full of rich, toasty oak with citrus, nectarine and a mouthfilling, creamy and lightly spicy finish. Church Road Cuve Series Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
Vanillin oak, nuts, nougat, a spicy almost salty savouriness, sweet apricot and stonefruit harmonise with a subtle richness. Cooper's Creek Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2007
Smoky French oak is infused with cream, spice, delicious tropical fruit and hokey pokey caramel. Savoury and long. Elephant Hill Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Stonefruit, melon, honeyed oak and a smoky savouriness combine to make this soft, smooth debut something to remember. Goldridge Estate Premium Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Fat and creamy with yeast lees and barrel-aged complexities and juicy sweet apricot, peach, grapefruit and butterscotch. Matua Ararimu Chardonnay 2007 - Judd Estate, Gisborne
Matua's top label made only in exceptional years, it is silky smooth with creamy rich spice and tropical flavours. Montana Terroir Series Waihirere Chardonnay 2006
Full of peach, nectarine, citrus and caramel, this Gisborne wine is rich and creamy with a bright toasty finish. Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Marlborough Chardonnay 2007
Delicate citrus and tropical fruit belie the rich, smoky savouriness with a bacon, vanilla, stonefruit and butterscotch complexity. Saints Gisborne Chardonnay 2007
A lovely creamed nut and toasty oak bouquet with tropical fruits to the fore on the fragrant, vanilla bean-filled palate. Sacred Hill Wine Thief Series Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007
Mouthfilling, rounded and creamy with toasty sweet oak, rich fruit and savoury complexities. Beautifully balanced and seamless. Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
Creamy vanillin oak, lees-stirred barrel ferment, creme brulee and peach round out to a spicy, savoury, toasty finish. Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
Smooth and creamy with deep aromas and rich flavours of grilled stonefruit, toasty oak and barrel-introduced spices. Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2006
A mealy, barrel-worked richness augments the sweet stonefruit aromas and spicy, citrussy flavours with butterscotch adding mouthfilling roundness. Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Fermented Gisborne Chardonnay 2006
Abundant melon, peach and tropical fruit is complemented by beautifully balanced savoury oak and a touch of butterscotch. West Brook 'Blue Ridge' Marlborough Chardonnay 2006
Creamed nut aromas carry through to the seamless, full-bodied, creamy palate full of peach, nougat, vanilla and caramel.
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Sauvignon Blanc Brangayne of Orange Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - NSW, Australia
Intense gooseberry and passionfruit aromas and bright vivacious, gooseberry, summer herb and honeyed tropical fruit flavours. Goldwater Wairau Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Freshly squeezed citrus, gooseberry, passionfruit and herbs with a long sweet tangy finish and richness and texture. Mount Riley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Abundantly fruity with grapefruit, zesty lime and a touch of nettle underpinning juicy tropical fruit. Mount Riley Block 2 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Fuller and fatter than its sibling with pungent tropical fruit, juicy citrus, apple and freshly cut grass. Mud House Swan Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Intense passionfruit aromas and sweet, juicy, tropical fruit flavours with a shimmery, racy, citrussy edge and a pungent mouthfilling finish. Rochfort Reserve Marlborough Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2008
A citrussy style with upfront juiciness, a cut grass fumé undercurrent and a pineapple-tinged tropical fruit finish. Saint Clair Pioneer Block 6 'Oh! Block' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Pungently aromatic and fruity, this is 'oh my gosh' gorgeous. Packed with bright zesty citrus, spicy salad greens and passionfruit, it is powerful and long. Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Powerful and intense; fragrant, fruity and racy-edged with delicious passionfruit, citrus, cut grass and summer herbs. Seifried Winemakers Collection Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Softly herbaceous and pungent with a rich, textural palate full of passionfruit, citrus, gooseberry and apple. Silks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Grapefruit zest aromas and a racy edge to the pungent gooseberry, pineapple, herb and capsicum flavours. Spy Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Abundantly fragrant and mouthwateringly juicy with bright racy flavours of grapefruit, passionfruit, gooseberry and lime. Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Soft and textural with capsicum, grass, herbs and a lime/lemon twist to the fruity finish. Tinpot Hut Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
A steely style with a chalky texture, racy lime, gooseberry, green passionfruit, nettle and a touch of sweet melon. Tohu Mugwi Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
There's a flinty edge to the soft creamy palate with nectarine, red apple, herb, gooseberry and sweet tropical fruit. Two Rivers Convergence Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Creamy, spicy and zesty with citrus, herbs, tropical fruit and pineapple combining in bright tangy harmony.
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Riesling d'Arenberg The Dry Dam McLaren Vale Riesling 2008
Freshly squeezed oranges and limes with a juicy stonefruit sweetness cut by beautifully balanced, dry racy acidity. Mud House Waipara Riesling 2008
Zesty lime, lemon and apple with a spicy infusion and a deft touch of honeysuckle on the lingering medium-sweet finish. Richmond Grove Limited Release Watervale Riesling 2004
Dry and spicy with zesty lime and lemon, a talc-like slippery texture and gorgeous fruit weight. Riverby Estate Sali's Block Marlborough Riesling 2008
Full of juicy citrus, pineapple and red apple fruit, the medium sweetness is balanced by bright crisp acidity. Skillogalee Single Vineyard Clare Valley Riesling 2008
Dry and crisp with intense lime aromas and flavours, this is racy and fresh with a glimmer of sweetness. Spy Valley Marlborough Riesling 2008
Honeysuckle aromas and citrus and tropical flavours are balanced by crisp acidity in this juicy off-dry style. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Riesling 2008
Honeysuckle and citrus blossom scents, crisp apple fresh flavours, juicy citrus and great weight and length.
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Gewurztraminer Askerne Hawkes Bay Gewürztraminer 2007
Lemon verbena, rose petal, Turkish delight and lychees mingle with dry Moroccan spices, ginger zest and lemon honey. Johanesshof Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2008
Delicately spiced orange water scents belie the rich, powerful sweetish ginger zest, rose honey and aromatic spice flavours. Kemblefield Hawkes Bay Gewürztraminer 2007
An intensely expressive, concentrated dry style with a rich texture, aromatic spices, rose oil, violets and exotic Asian fruit. Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2007
Slightly viscous lightly honeyed texture with a perfect touch of rose petal, exotic Asian fruit, orange zest and spices. Spy Valley Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2008
Oak adds richness to the orange zest and honeysuckle aroma and slightly sweetish lychee and zingy ginger flavours. Willm Cuvée Emile Gewurztraminer 2006
Intense golden colour, powerful aroma and rich spice and orange honey flavours - a treat from start to finish.
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Pinot Gris Blackenbrook Nelson Reserve Pinot Gris 2008
Full-bodied and rich, creamy, mouthfilling and long with quince, apple and strudel spices and just a hint of sweetness. Burnt Spur Martinborough Pinot Gris 2008
Crammed with dried tropical fruits, melon, pear, and honeysuckle a steely undercurrent balances the sweetness. Gibson Bridge Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007
A drier style with honeysuckle, juicy pear, dried melon and peach and a flourish of zesty citrus. Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008
A touch of oak and yeast lees aging adds additional complexity to the lovely ripe stone and apple flavours. Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008
Medium sweet with shimmery acidity fattening out to a rich creamy finish where rose petal mingles with sweet apple and pear. Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008
Abundantly fruity with rich pear and juicy melon and the pleasing sweetness balanced by racy-edged citrus and ginger. Te Mania Nelson Pinot Gris 2008
Mouthfilling and full-bodied with pear, apple, mandarin and potter's clay and an impression of dryness on the lingering finish. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2007
Spicy, fragrant and delicately floral with bottled pears, a touch of honey, spices and crisp apple to balance the sweetness. Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Gris 2007
Fragrant, floral and musky with pear, dried melon, spice and honeysuckle and a warm, nutty, bready allure. Waimea Bolitho SV Nelson Pinot Gris 2007
Rich, ripe, full-bodied and intense with juicy ripe pear, toffee-coated apples and a seductive honeyed apricot sweetness. Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008
Off dry and flinty with apple and hints of green passionfruit joining Nashi pear, honeysuckle and pineapple sage.
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Viognier Longbush Gisborne Viognier 2007
Soft and creamy with gentle yeast lees and nuances of oak, apricot lingers on the mouthfilling, nutty finish. Morton Estate Private Reserve Hawkes Bay Viognier 2007
Fragrantly perfumed with flower blossom, lemon grass and apricot, oak adds richness to the full-bodied, spicy, musky flavours. Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2007 - South Australia
Delicate lemon grass, musk, spice and honeysuckle aromas carry through to the dry nutty and honeyed citrus palate.
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Other Whites Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Chenin Blanc 2008
Subtle oak adds richness and body to the succulent, sweet, honeyed apple flavours that have underlying crispness and freshness. Peter Lehmann 'Margaret' Semillon 2003
Rich, dry, aromatic and tangy with a lime zest infusion and delicate honey notes just starting to show. Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Arneis 2008
Quite nutty and savoury with pears and dried sage complemented by yeast lees aging and a tangy lime verve. Windowrie The Mill Central Ranges Verdelho 2008
Juicy, fresh, vibrant tropical fruit salad flavours with a mandarin edge with alcohol adding richness and power.
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Sweet Whites Cookothama Botrytis Semillon 2006 - NSW
Thick, sweet and syruppy with dried apricot, orange honey, marmalade and white raisins balanced by nervy acidity De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2006 - NSW
Delicious and concentrated with subtle cedary oak adding complexity to the apricot, beeswax and honeyed nectar flavours. Lone Goat Botrytis Selection 2007 - Canterbury
With intense botrytis, apricot, spiced orange, honeysuckle and lime marmalade, this luscious nectar is as good as it gets. Xanadu Cane Cut Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008
A Margaret River version of the great Sauternes, tangy acidity balances the concentrated honey and marmalade sweetness
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Champagne and Sparkling Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV
Crisp, clean and fresh with classic yeast complexity, hazelnut smokiness and a long, fine finish Champagne Maxim's Brut Reserve NV
There's a lovely, yeasty, creamed nut fragrance and a touch of palate sweetness to balance the rich yeasty flavours. Champagne Maxime Godet NV
Full, bold and weighty with delicate yeast autolysis and a lovely thread of citrus acidity. Champagne Lanvin & Fils Brut Cuvée Selection
Rich, powerful yeast autolysis scents and powerful, oxidative flavours with underlying tangy acidity and zest. Inniskillin Icewine Sparkling Vidal 2005
With fabulous scents of honey, apricot and beeswax, you would never know this sweetie was sparkling until you taste it. Le Noble Champagne Grande Cru Blanc de Blancs 1996
A creamy, delicately floral, slightly peachy scent and a salty, savoury nutty flavour with zestiness enhanced by the rich creamy mouse. Louis Roederer Champagne Brut Premier NV
Dry and nutty with aromatic wild flowers, nougat, toast, marmite and driving acidity. Savoury, sophisticated, full-bodied and long. Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV
Rich, savoury and yeasty aromas and fabulous broad yeasty flavours with fine bubbles and a nutty finish. Paradox Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle NV
Fresh and bready with toffee apple richness and a delicate salty, lemony tang. Full-bodied, creamy, savoury and dry. Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut NV
Delicately floral sweet nutty scents and full-bodied savoury, yeasty, bubbly flavours that leave a light tangy impression. Pol Roger Brut Premier Blanc de Blancs 1999
Toffee-rich scents and rich, yeasty, nervy lime-infused flavours with stonefruit sweetness, fantastic mousse and a moreish finish. Pol Roger Brut Reserve Champagne NV
Full-bodied, creamy, savoury and malty with lemon nut bread, lime zest and a salivating salty tang. Classy. Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Champagne 1998
A deep, satisfying baguette aroma, gorgeous full mouthfeel, roasted nut and yeast complexity and a tangy fresh brightness despite its age. Ruinart Champagne Brut Rose
A delicate salmon pink hue, strawberry and rosehip aromas and earthy, sweet savoury flavour. Finishing dry, it has great delicacy and poise. Vic Williams Selection Marlborough Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier 2002
Mouthfilling, rich and savoury with nut bread aromas and a lovely attack of foamy yeast and bright tropical flavours.
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Pinot Noir Aurum Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Rounded and concentrated with earth, smoke, savoury oak, red and black fruit and a velvety mouthfeel. Awawhiti Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Big, rich and juicy yet savoury and spicy with wild thyme, succulent red and black fruits and chocolatey oak. Bannock Brae Barrel Selection Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Earthy and savoury and with aromatic herbs, fruits of the forest, sweet oak and a velvety plushness. Blind River Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Bright cherry, earth and herb scents lead into a profoundly sweet /savoury palate with a silky texture and anise-like spices. Cable Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Ripe and juicy with succulent cherry and plum fruit, herbs, aromatic spices and grainy French oak. Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Bright smoky herbs and rich rounded flavours with supple tannins, spice, red fruits and underlying savouriness. Drumsara Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Rich, dense and earthy with smoky bacon, field mushroom, wild thyme, concentrated fruit and a beautiful savoury finish. Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2007
Perfumed, silky, savoury and spicy with guava, plum and tamarillo fruit, smoky oak and a long, juicy finish. Lowburn Ferry Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
A powerful wine with a rich earthy depth, fruits of the forest, wild thyme, savoury oak and a concentrated finish. Martinborough Vineyard Te Tera Pinot Noir 2007
Deliciously fruity yet intensely savoury with a deep earthy funk, sweet smoky oak, a touch of spice and silky tannins. Montana Terrace Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Smoky, savoury, funky, earthy and deep with cherry fruit, aromatic spices and an almost chocolatey finish. Olssens Jackson Barry Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Bold, earthy and opulent with black fruits, exotic spices, velvety tannins and dark smoky oak. Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Beautifully rounded succulent fruit, a savoury complexity, hints of wild thyme, creamy oak and a sweet earthy finish. Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Dried rosemary, thyme and French oak nuances infuse the silky, spicy palate that's full of fruitcake cherries and plum. THE Terrace Heights Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Rich, sweet and juicy with vibrant fruitcake cherry and musky spices, a savoury backbone and beautifully balanced French oak. Vavasour Awatere Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
A fragrant potpourri of wild herb, lavender, rose petal and spices with cherry fruit and beautifully proportioned savoury oak. Vidal Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
Savoury with smoky sweet oak, bright fruit, a touch of funk and just a little of those appealing musky aromatic herbs. Waitiri Creek Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Full and rich with juicy black cherry, plum and blackberry fruit, velvety tannins and spice-infused smoky oak. Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007
Succulent and juicy with violet, chocolate, black cherry, silky tannins, bewitching savoury plum and spicy French oak.
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Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Predominant blends Brands Laira 'Blockers' Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Deep, spicy and intense with abundant cedar, fine tannins, blackcurrant fruit, vanilla, dried mint and hints of leather. d’Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2006 - McLaren Vale
Complex, juicy, rich and earthy with beautifully integrated oak, eucalypt, red berry, spice and leather. Cabernet-dominant blend. Eden Springs High Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Medium-bodied with smooth tannins, smoky oak, lifted red fruits and spice. Approachable and creamy and ready right now. Grant Burge Barossa Vines Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006
A medium-bodied style for accessible drinking with succulent cherry, smoky cedar, a hint of mint and smooth easy tannins. Haselgrove HRS Coonawarra Reserve Cabernet 2006
Savoury elements combine with blackcurrant fruit, bitter chocolate and a gentle touch of mint. Big but remarkably smooth. New Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Eden Valley, Barossa
Rich and mouthfilling with toasty aromatics, spicy oak, cassis and blackberry fruit and a cool-climate mintiness. Phoenix Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Profound cassis, cedar and mint combine with smooth creamy tannins, chocolatey oak, cigar box and spice. Seamless. Saddler's Creek Bluegrass Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Succulent and deep with vanilla, cassis and cedary oak scents, juicy tannins, voluptuous fruit and a rich, spicy finish. Schild Estate Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Rich, ripe, smooth and juicy with succulent plum and cassis supported by liquorice and spicy smoky French oak. Shingleback McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
There's a deep cassis overlay to the smoky vanillin oak with chocolate, leather, dried mint and velvety tannins. Tapestry Fifteen Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - McLaren Vale
Flamboyant scents and luscious flavours of eucalypt, cassis, toasty French oak and a fruit cake cherry richness. Trentham Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006
With juicy cherry and redcurrant fruit, smooth silky tannins and integrated oak, this lighter style has drink now appeal. Xabregas Cabernet Merlot 2005 - Mt Barker, Western Australia
Lifted cassis and plum is framed by cedary oak with soft velvety tannins, spice, mint and chocolate. Xabregas Show Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Western Australia
Smooth and juicy with robust tannins and creamy French oak, Christmas cake, chocolate, mint, liquorice and cigar. Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
A robust wine with concentration and power, succulent tannins, flamboyant plum and black fruit, violets, tobacco and cigar. Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz 2004
Full of cassis, plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice, this is rich and cedary with flashes of mint and succulent tannins.
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Merlot and Merlot Predominant blends Church Road Cuve Series Hawkes Bay Merlot 2005
Opulent oak, blackcurrant and plum fruit, cigar box, allspice and enveloping mouthcoating tannins, youthful despite its age. Church Road Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006
Beautifully integrated classy French oak, juicy red berry fruit, dried herbs, a touch of chocolate and powerful tannins. Clearview Hawkes Bay Enigma 2006
A smoky, savoury, succulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec & Cabernet Franc with all round richness and complexity. Climbing Merlot 2007 - NSW, Australia
Leather, tobacco and dried woody herbs combine with juicy succulent tannins, rich red fruits and smoky savoury oak. Glazebrook Hawke's Bay Merlot 2007
Juicy redcurrant and plum, smoky French oak, a touch of leather in the background and gorgeous silky tannins. McWilliam's Hanwood Merlot 2007
Juicy plum and blackberry flavours abound in this fruit driven wine with smoke, spice and easy tannins. Printhie Orange Merlot 2006 - NSW, Australia
Spicy fruitcake and velvety tannins permeate through the concentrated cherry, currant, liquorice, cigar and sweet vanillin oak flavours. Sacred Hill Basket Press Merlot Cabernet 2007
Raspberries and blackberries introduce this powerful, smoky mouthful. Spicy oak, violets and succulent tannins complete the package.
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Shiraz/Syrah and Shiraz/Syrah Predominant blends Arrogant Frog Ribet Red (Shiraz) 2007
Juicy mulberry and raspberry combine with dried herbs, earth, pepper and anise in this smooth, savoury wine. Cape Barren Native Goose McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006
Anise, cinnamon and pepper add brightness to the succulent fruit with a savoury element to the chocolatey finish. Climbing Shiraz 2006 - Orange, NSW
Red fruit intertwines with spice and smoky French oak in this perfumed, peppery, cool climate style. Geoff Merrill McLaren Vale SGM 2005
Smoky vanillin oak and a touch of mint introduce this big juicy wine that's full of cherry, strawberry, pepper and chocolate. George Wyndham Founders Reserve Shiraz 2005
Big, rich and creamy with a minty fragrance, toasted French and American oak and brooding chocolate, nugget, pepper and tar. Heartland Directors' Cut Shiraz 2005
A supercharged, sultry Langhorne Creek / Limestone Coast blend with toasty sweet oak, pepper, chocolate and cherry. Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2006 - Clare Valley
Fragrant and minty, rounded and plush, with raspberry and blackcurrant combining with sweet toasty cedar. Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2006 - South Australia
Aromatic with deep creamy oak, firm ripe tannins, biscuity cherry, mulberry, liquorice and spice. Mitchelton Parish Shiraz Viognier 2006 - Victoria
Fragrant scents and deep brooding flavours of chocolate, cherry, sweet creamy oak, mocha-like spices with silky smooth tannins. Morambo Creek Padthaway Shiraz 2005
Big rich and juicy with a brooding depth to the currant-like fruit, a touch of liquorice and plenty of oak. Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz 2004 - Hunter Valley
Youthful and boisterous, earthy and deep with plum and raspberry fruit, pepper, dried minty herbs, vanilla and cedar. Sacred Hill 'Wine Thief Series' Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006
Freshly ground pepper abounds in this spicy wine full of juicy black fruit with hints of leather and creamy oak. Sandalford Estate Reserve Margaret River Shiraz 2004
Fragrant, minty and cedary with sweet fruit, biscuity spices, mid-palate juiciness and a long, dry savoury finish. Serafino McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007
Smooth and supple with concentrated cherry and mulberry combining with chocolate-coated vanillin oak and delicious Shiraz spices. Serafino Sharktooth McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007
Opulent American oak, sweet purple fruit, chocolate, fruitcake and spice in a silky tannined, power-packed package. The Gate McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005
Deep and concentrated with spice, tar, dark toasty oak and powerful black fruits that explode with juiciness. Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Barossa Shiraz 2007
Deep and concentrated with delicious fruit sweetness, creamy oak, vanilla, chocolate, mocha, liquorice and spice. Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Barossa Shiraz 2007
A burst of succulent plum and blackberry fruit, creamy oak, chocolate, mocha, fruitcake spices with easy tannins. Thorn-Clarke William Randell Barossa Shiraz 2005
Super rich, smoky and savoury with purple fruit, aromatic spices, layers of chocolate and mouth-enveloping tannins. Compelling. Trentham Heathcote Shiraz 2005
Concentrated and ultra-juicy with mint, mocha, chocolate and tar adding complexity to the spicy plum fruit.
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Other Reds Banfi Cum Laude 2004- Montalcino, Italy
A silky, savoury, smoky, sweet juicy blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah with spiced blueberry fruit. Cecchi Riserva di Famiglia Chianti Classico 2004 - Italy
Liquorice, salty leather, iodine, spiced cherries and savoury oak combine for an intriguing taste of Italian Sangiovese. Chapel Hill The Abbott Bush Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2006
Smoky and oaky with luscious tannins, succulent strawberry and raspberry fruit, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, allspice and cigar. Cheval Del Andes 2005 - Mendoza, Argentina
A powerfully rich Malbec-dominant blend saturated with plummy fruit, smoky oak, leather, violets and earth. Farnese Edizione Edition 8 NV - Italy
Indigenous grapes from Puglia and Abruzzo combine in this full-bodied, spicy, savoury, sweet-fruited blockbuster. Feudi Di San Marzano "Sessantanni" Primitivo Di Manduria 2005 - Italy
Rich, smooth, sweet, earthy and savoury with liquorice, spice and succulent purple fruit - luxurious and utterly irresistible. Montes Purple Angel 2005 - Colchagua Valley, Chile
Carmenere dominates this amazingly approachable voluptuous blend of dark smoky oak, succulent red fruit, tar and spice. Papa Luna Ganarcha Syrah Monastrell 2006 - Calatayud, Spain
Earthy, savoury and leathery with big creamy oak, powerful tannins, mocha, liquorice and peppery spice.
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Fortified Wines Dows 20 Year Old Port
Refined, smooth and fragrant with dry nutty flavours, a salty rancio character and a raisin-sweet richness. Graham's The Tawny
Smooth and bittersweet with dried orange peel, raisins, a hot nutty finish and intriguing woody spices. Quinta de la Rosa Tonel 12 Tawny 10 Year Old
Fragrantly smoky, smooth and nutty with rich fruitcake, spices, dried peel and a tangy kick. Quinta de la Rosa Vintage Port 2005
Youthful and succulent with a brooding smokiness, spiced blackberry jam, fruitcake, honey-dried figs and voluptuous tannins. Sandeman Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2000
Sweet, heady, velvety smooth and starting to mellow, with a spicy hot backbone, fruitcake, liquorice and raisin. Lauriston Show Muscat
Silky smooth and super refined, this hedonistic sweetie brims with toffee, spirit, salty rancio and all-round deliciousness. McWilliam's Show Reserve Liqueur Muscat
With the look and feel of runny treacle, it's packed with mellow spicy oak, hot toffee, rancio notes and chocolate raisins.
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Wine descriptions written by Sue Courtney, September 2008
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