Like many Hawke’s Bay producers, Te Awa is experimenting with Syrah; this bottling features bold blackberry fruit with just a hint of peppery spice. Big, round and lush in the mouth, it’s easy to drink and easy to like. Better still is the Zone 2 Syrah (aged in no new oak) that has been bottled separately—limited quantities of that wine may be available this fall. ——J.C.(11/1/2006)—— 88