The Yering Station is all sold out!

But how about a 95 point NZ rarity for UNDER $30!?!

“For more than a decade I’ve been intrigued by the elegant Syrahs I’ve tasted from the Gimblett Gravels, which in their combination of fruits, flowers, pepper and spices remind me of the Northern Rhône” writes Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

But you’re not gonna find a Northern Rhône this sophisticated AND at this price point.

New Zealand delivers, once again.

As Vinous says “founded by Sir George Fistonich in 1961, Villa Maria has since become one of the country’s biggest and most recognized wine brands… its single-vineyard efforts are often benchmark.”

Benchmark Gimblett Gravels. One of the hottest up-and-coming regions ever to hit the wine world. Decanter asks, and articulates: “If you’ve never tasted a Gimblett Gravels red, what should you expect? Their hallmark is a cleanness of articulation and a purity of aroma and flavour which sits very happily with New Zealand’s national image as the environmental jewel of the southern hemisphere. The wines are unintimidating and gratifying, as well as highly consistent. They brim with fruit – and it’s classy fruit, too, without obviousness or exaggeration. It has energy and drive as well as purity.”

Voila. That and then some. This has all the telltale aromatics of purple and blue fruits, flowers, spices, minerals, and meatiness. All we love in Syrah in one place, with enough oomph and girth to make it world-class wine. So much to love and savor here, especially over a hot summer BBQ night. Bring it on!

For you, discerning Operatives, as there isn’t enough to go around.

95 Points – James Suckling

“Very intense and complex, this has aromas of fine white pepper, violets, stones, cassis and blackberries. The palate is so smooth and refined with explosive mid-palate flavors, delivering such impressive depth and drive. Succulent plum-pip tang to close. Try from 2024.”