<strong>#19 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 of 2011</strong>; Representing a new level of quality for Waiheke Syrah this wine boasts captivating aromas of peppered meat violets and cassis. It's full bodied without being heavy and the flavors seamlessly blend fruity with savory for a thrilling ride. Finishes long with firm tannins and a hint of espresso. Drink now¬-2018. Editors' choice. - J.C.

The fruit for this cuvée comes from the steepest slopes on the winery's extensive property. Opaque and darkly colored at the core the nose screams northern Rhone with notes of smoked bacon tar and black olive jumping out of the bowl. Spicy aromas and grilled meat also appear as part of a powerfully intense and seductive bouquet that immediately wins you over. That excitement carries through onto the palate with rich textures and clean bright notes that lie underneath medium-bodied flavors of blackberry and dark cherry. Not at all heavy this delicious wine maintains a light presence while still offering up loads of flavor on a round fruity finish with subtle spicy tannins.

The 2008 Dreadnought is straightforward on the nose at first yet it develops nicely with aeration with aromas of blackberry boysenberry and a touch of fresh date. Good definition but the bouquet demands coaxing. The palate is medium-bodied flirting with jamminess but it has just enough acidity to keep it the right side of balance with succulent blackberry and boysenberry fruit chewy finish and good length. Not a subtle Syrah but it has chutzpah and brio. Drink 2011-2017. -Neal Martin