New Zealand Syrah has been slowly establishing a loyal following throughout the world. Wine critics have been impressed by New Zealand's ability to deliver delicate and uniquely flavoured Syrah, comparable only to those from the Rhone Valley in France, where Syrah originates.
«Combine the arid terrior of Hawkes Bay's Gimblett Gravels with the vision of skilled winemakers and it is little wonder that the results have been so phenomenal» says winemaker Nick Picone. In a former life, the Gimblett Gravels formed the riverbed of the Ngaruroro River. With the river long gone, it is now home to some of New Zealand's finest wineyards.

Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West has taken several top awards, including a coveted gold, at the 2008 International Wine and Spirits Competition.
This premier competition was founded in London in 1969 to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. There is a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and detailed chemical and microbiological analysis. Entries must be from an identifiable batch or lot and available in commercial quantities to eliminate the possibility of show products taking part.