Te Mata Syrah 2018

I personally often prefer the Syrah style over Shiraz. They are usually lighter, fresher and more vibrant examples, making them easier to drink. Te Mata excels in this style. The wine has a fragrant bouquet of dark cherry, vanilla and crushed pepper — so inviting from the outset. It is really juicy and medium bodied, with freshly picked blueberry definition and a touch of nutmeg as it finishes. Its finely grained texture lingers expansively with vivacity. A moreish wine that it is a pleasure to drink. I prepared an Indian butter chicken curry to match and I turned down the heat by adding extra butter which also made it extra creamy. The interactions with the spices of the curry brought out the blueberry fruit and black pepper of the wine. The overall resulting combination was quite complex, as the dish synced in harmony, elevating this Syrah to a more complete and flavoursome encounter.