Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay has the mild climate of New Zealand’s North Island but the geography resembles regions in the South. An East Coast rain shadow provides a dry, wide alluvial plain with varied microclimates and soil deposits across the region. Some of the prized spots are the free-draining stones of former riverbeds, with the sun-baked Gimblett Gravels being most famous. Here Cabernet ripens pretty consistently, unlike much of NZ, while the more forgiving varieties Merlot and Chardonnay often cruise to a satisfying body and richness. It’s still cooler than South Australia, so Syrah in Hawkes Bay is more like a modern French style: medium-bodied with attractive dark red fruit and pepper/floral notes.