Villa Maria Hawkes Bay Syrah 2009 – $$

Nice florality and white pepper on the nose,  soft and elegant in the mouth. Good to have the extra year or two in bottle before opening. This is a really good value label, and can be counted on to deliver beyond the price point.

This accompanies my own 4hr slow-cooked Island Bay Butchery mince meat sauce over Garofalo spaghetti, with hand-made ravioli from La Bella Italia thanks to the Back To Living Christmas party. Too good!