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

Composed of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier and aged in French oak, 20% new, for 14 months, the 2010 Syrah displays a very deep garnet-purple color and aromas of warm blackberries, black plums and cassis with hints of anise, tar and dark chocolate with a whiff of pepper. Medium-full bodied and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a medium to firm level of rounded tannins, lively acidity and a long toasty finish with some cedar poking through. Approachable now, it should drink best 2012 to 2017+. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel.(540) 722-9258

Deep garnet-purple, the 2010 Syrah displays notes of black fruits, plums and blackberries aside some anise and charcoal. Medium-bodied and framed by a medium level of rounded tannins, it has a vibrant acid line highlighting nice mid-palate fruit weight, then finishes long and peppery. Drink it now to 2018+. 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

Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Syrah gives a moderate intensity of black cherry and pepper aromas with some tilled earth, tar and black tea notes. Crisp acid and a medium level of rounded tannins lend support to a fair amount of dark berry and spice flavors leading into a long peppery finish. Delicious now, it should keep to 2015. Importer: Kysela Pere Et Fils, Winchester, V; tel. (877) 492-7917; fax (540) 722-9258