Hawke’s Bay syrah in New Zealand provides a good value alternative to the peppery syrahs of Saint Joseph and Crozes Hermitage in the northern Rhône Valley in France. They are typically more medium bodied than Australian syrah/shiraz equivalents, and the style is not easily found outside of top Australian producers like Craiglee. In Hawkes Bay, it seems easy. The 2020 vintage of Bilancia’s syrah has aromas of herbs and a little pepper. The palate is medium to full bodied, supported by ripe, plummy fruit. This wine is ready to drink over the next couple of years. Review Rating: Good to Very Good (★★★☆, 88 points). Website: Bilancia Wine. Tasted: March 2026. Like: Subscribe.
