New Release

96 Points. Syrah of this calibre is rare in New Zealand — and Astrolabe's Southern Valleys 2024 is a wine that demands attention. Poised, perfumed, and built for the long haul, this is a collector's Syrah with a drinking window stretching from late 2027 through 2035 and beyond.

Striking hues of purple and dark red with a ruby and pink rim set the scene. The bouquet is pure and ripe: violets and ripe red berries lead, with blackcurrant and dark raspberry flesh adding depth, followed by a quietly spoken layer of barrel spice and earthy silty clay ideas that speak directly to the Southern Valleys terroir. On the palate the wine is dry, taut, and poised — releasing slowly into fleshy, salivating red berry fruits, spice, and blackcurrant that mirror the bouquet with precision. Firm, youthful tannins deliver real tension, enhanced by a backbone of acidity and saline ideas on the finish. A final flick of violet completes the tasting. Vegan-friendly.

Food Pairing

Best enjoyed from late 2027 with a decant. When ready, pair with slow-roasted lamb, venison, duck, or aged hard cheeses. The firm tannins, dark fruit, and earthy complexity call for equally bold and flavourful food.