Beach House Korokipo Road Rose Hawkes Bay 2014 – $$

Light salmon pink blush. 12%. Watermelon nose, quite ‘grape-y’. Distinctive taste of apples. L was not so impressed. G 3

Te Mata Estate Syrah Hawkes Bay 2013 – $$

Magenta colour. 13%. Plum-y lifted nose. Oak, vanilla, white pepper & dry leaves.

Very smooth in the mouth on initial attack. Soft ripe fruit, pencil shavings, fine tannins, good weight and structure. Some bitterness at the death. BTG 3+