New Zealand Wine Review – Church Road McDonald Series, Hawke's Bay, Syrah, 2015

Aroma: Strong caustic aroma. Plenty of cut grass. Earth and pepper spice.
Color: Inky opaque crimson. Solid and wide eyed.
Consistency: A nice round rim with good legs that evaporated quickly.
Taste: quite soft and tingly. A bit of balsamic, clove and raspberry. 
Cost: $NZ 25
Quality rating: 7/10
Value rating: 8/10
Final words: Not usually a fan of Syrah, especially on a warm day yet this was perfect with our Venison and Beetroot Salad. Would buy again.

New Zealand Wine Review – Poppies, Martinborough, Pinot Noir, 2014

Aroma: Initially very sweet, plum jam. Settled in the glass to become ticklish with pepper, pine and Asian spice.
Color: Light and slightly tawny. Nice and clear.
Consistency: slow and soft with sticky tear drops and straight legs.
Taste: soft and smooth, tart cherries and plums, green capsicum and habaneros.
Cost: $NZ 45 (we think - cellar door a while ago)
Quality rating: 8/10
Value rating: 8/10
Final words: very nice drop, went well with a steak on a hot hot summer day.

New Zealand Wine Review – Te Mata Estate, Hawke's Bay, Bull Nose Syrah, 2015

Aroma: dry earth and wood chips, a little minty
Color: dark and dramatic, blackberry ink
Consistency: lovely round curves with slow motion gelatinous gloopy legs
Taste: dry spice and wood, mouth tingling and fresh
Cost: $NZ 40 (on special)
Quality rating: 8/10
Value rating: 10/10
Final words: total bargain at the price. This felt like a $100 wine.