Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2011 Syrah flaunts bright red and black fruit aromas that are dotted with notes of spice, pepper and a touch of lavender. Medium-bodied, it has lively acidity, a low-to-medium level of rounded tannins and a long finish. A small but beautiful little vineyard, winery and cellar door nestled amongst the ancient pohutukawa trees in Putiki Bay, Kennedy Point was planted by Susan McCarthy and Neal Kunimura in the mid to late 1990s with the first vineyard planted in 1996. The couple moved here from Hawaii and started producing wine pretty much from scratch, with Neal learning the winemaking vocation along the way. He must be a pretty fast learner because the wines are truly impressive, reasonably priced and definitely worth the hunt! Although they consider the Syrah (co-fermented with about 2% Viognier) to be their flagship wine – and both the straight and reserve labels are stunning – I have totally fallen in love with the Reserve Cabernet Franc. With plenty of fruit, backbone, concentration and a gorgeous perfume, their Cab Franc is a knock-out and a variety I would like to sample more of from this region! Imported by Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel: (540) 722-9258