It was only a matter of time before New Zealand started being taken seriously for world-class Syrah, and all the experts are now saying that they belong on the same table as Bordeaux. New Zealand’s premium Syrah producing region is Hawkes Bay in the North Island, and more specifically, Gimblett Gravels, which is a tiny 800 hectare appellation considered to be among the country’s best terroir.

John O’Connor, Chairman of the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers’ Association (GGWA), was in high spirits after another outstanding performance by Gimblett Gravels wines in San Francisco. “This just confirms that the results of our Masterclasses in Taupo and London were not one-off’s – now Gimblett Gravels wines from 3 different vintages (2005-2007) have outranked top Bordeaux wines from 2005/6”.

O’Connor goes on to assure people that “…whilst the top wines are made in relatively small volumes at present, the Gimblett Gravels has the capacity to produce more of these ultra-premium quality wines.” Meanwhile, at Liquorland Top 100, Gimblett Gravels 2007 vintage wines dominated the fuller bodied reds categories, securing 2 trophies and 6 gold medals.

Within the Gimblett Gravels district, one best vineyards is La Collina (pictured), which is planted on a steep, terraced hillside facing Roy’s Hill, to the west of Hastings. Here’s what the experts had to say about Bilancia’s La Collina Syrah:

“Produced from grapes grown on a steep, terraced hillside in the Gimblett Gravels district of Hawke’s Bay. The wine is dense with ripe, spice and berry fruit flavours. Like the wines of the northern Rhone it is more about texture and complexity than intense fruit flavours. Good food wine with great potential. A very sophisticated Syrah.” Bob Campbell MW

“La collina is the greatest Syrah to ever come out of New Zealand, and it single-handedly positions this country, for the first time among the great Shiraz producers of the world.” Matthew Jukes and Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food and Wine 2008

Alternatively, there’s the 2007 Bilancia Syrah, which made using grapes from both Gimblett Gravels (85%) and La Collina (15%).

“The Syrah/Viognier (just 3% of the latter) is simply outstanding. Very focused and pure on the silky finish, this is a complete wine, one that rivals some of the best Northern Rhone”. Robert Parkers Buying Guide: 92 points.