Vidal Reserve Syrah 2010, £14.99, nzhouseof wine.co.uk, winedirect.co.uk

Gold medal-winning New Zealand Syrah or Shiraz from an area called Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay, home to some splendid reds.

The winery was founded more than a century ago. Black pepper, spice and cherries and 13.5% alcohol.