Mills Reef Estate Syrah

Charles Mills – sea captain, gold miner and former Member of Parliament and Minister of Trade & Custom 1890-1908. He’s a bit of a legend in the family tree of the name behind this iconic Hawke’s Bay producer, so you can see why they ended up naming their wines after him. As for the reef bit, nothing to do with anything he smoked but everything to do with how he spent his days – watching for reefs at sea and mining for reefs of gold.

Although their vineyards are mostly based in Hawke’s Bay their vineyard is actually just out out of Tauranga – and it’s flash as! Twenty aces of landscaped grounds, wine making and bottling facilities, an underground cellar, 150-seat restuarant and conference centre – and quite the spot to get hitched at!

Their Estate Syrah is a classic silky, smooth Hawke’s Bay Syrah with a touch of spice. The Bay is the best spot in NZ for producing this variety that’s just on fire right now! Medium bodied red, dark berry and cherry fruits with a touch of spice. Perfect with a cut of good old Kiwi lamb or game meats.

This latest 2020 is a bit of a beaut for the money. Scoring a seriously impressive 93/100 for a wine at this price point and a Top Value Award with Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Bob said “Medium-bodied syrah from an excellent vintage. Vibrant plum, dark chocolate, black pepper, floral, violet and subtle oak flavours. Excellent entry level that punched above its weight in this excellent vintage.”

Then throw in a Gold medal at the New World Wine Awards and you’re getting the picture. This is bang for buck NZ Bordeaux blend with a capital B.