At $13.95 a bottle, the Appleby Nelson Syrah 2009 is
the best-value New Zealand Syrah we have ever come across. This has all the desirable attributes that
make Syrah one of the most exciting emerging varietals in the wine scene in
this country. Dark purple ruby in
colour, the bouquet is redolent of black berry fruits, lifted spices, and
pepper that covers both the aromatic, elegant white as well as the riper black
notes. On palate, it is medium-weighted,
but fills the mouth with flavours of spiced plums and hints of liquorice to the
black berry fruits, as well as a dash of oak shine. The tannins are soft, supple, and on the more
moderate side, providing sufficient structure for backbone, while enabling
immediate accessibility. The wine
finishes gently and is a model of friendliness.
Quite simply, this is a gorgeously fruity, lovely drinking wine that
will go with red meat dishes, poultry, pork, pasta and pizza. That covers a great deal of bases...
Appleby
Lane is primarily an
export label for Te Mania, based on the Richmond
plains in Nelson, and the wine is made by Steve Gill, whose winemaking
experience with Greenhough and Dry
River has stood him in
good stead. The 90% Syrah and 10%
Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Palmer’s Moutere Clay vineyards, hand
picked and fermented in small open top fermenters to 13.2% alc. The wine was aged 10 months in French barrels
as well as tanks with staves. The small
production of only 350 cases meant owner Lars Jensen thought it more suited to
the domestic market. We are glad to have
been able to obtain it.