Setting
This place is reminiscent of the steep vineyards of northern Rhône, the home of syrah. And like the Old World region, Contour Estate produces just this one variety from its north-facing sloped vineyard on the Takatu Peninsula. Home-grown grapes are made into wine on site. This is small scale, old school, and oh so good.

Things to know
This place is all about syrah. Rich, dense and opulent, the wine combines wonderful fruit intensity with engaging complexity, making it immediately attractive on release, while offering potential to develop further in bottle. If you are a fan, it’s worth signing up to the “Friends of the Vines” Founding 500 Club so that you can secure a small allocation each year.

Our pick
The syrah of course.