Holiday wine recommendations

Salaver Syrah. Photo / Babiche Martens

Super syrah

Salvare Hawkes Bay Syrah 2007 $25

There is lashings of black pepper mingled with an incense-like spice over juicy black cherry fruit in this aromatic and mouthfilling syrah.
(From Salvare Cellar door, Blend Winestore, Primo Vino, Hillcrest Wines, Cambridge Fine Wines, Go Vino, Scenic Cellars.)

Top companion

Church Road Tom Chardonnay 2006 $70

Church Road's iconic bordeaux blend Tom has now been joined by a white counterpart. It's a first-rate Hawkes Bay chardonnay with a wonderfully creamy texture, in which rich notes of butterscotch and nut are tempered by a silky acidity. A worthy companion.
(From Church Road cellar door and a few select fine wine retailers.)

Historic flavour

Auntsfield Heritage 2005 ($75 or $95 in wooden gift box)

A pinot with more age than most on the market, particularly as it contains a tiny amount of a wine dating back to 1905 made from the estate's original vineyard. Ageing gracefully, it's an elegant and savoury pinot with attractive truffle, forest floor and toasty spicy notes.
(Exclusively from Auntsfield Cellar door www.auntsfield.co.nz.)