New Zealand Wine Review – Te Mata, Hawke's Bay, Chardonnay, 2014

Aroma: oak, figs, fish and lives, complicated and I'm not sure it was all that pleasant
Color: light and watery and a little dull
Consistency: very light with long legs
Taste: sour oak and umami
Cost: gift
Quality rating: hard to say this is a good vineyard and it might need more time
Value rating: gift
Final words: this was one of those gifts I think I could have done without

New Zealand Wine Review – Rod McDonald, Hawke's Bay, Syrah, 2011

Aroma: sharp wasabi and pine
Color: black doris royal purple glossy eyed
Consistency: instant evaporation, light and easy
Taste: front and top paleete, caustic in a good way. Vibrant grassy new vines with a strong opinion. Tart winter fruit.
Cost: $NZ 75
Quality rating: 8/10
Value rating: 8/10
Final words: love it. want more.

New Zealand Wine Review – Dry River, Martinborough, Syrah, 2008

Aroma: Heavy plum and winter vegetables
Color: Deep Purple.  very dark no translusvence
Consistency: non existent
Taste: heady plums and chilli complex stock roast duck cherries
Cost: from the cellar
Quality rating: 8/10
Final words: worth whatever we paid