Wine: 2 sips for the week

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2006, $49

If you have any of this in your cellar then I suggest you open a bottle because it is coming into an absolutely stunning phase in its development. This is a wine that I tasted recently at a dinner held by Te Mata to celebrate John Buck's 70th birthday and it was served with the best venison I've ever eaten, barbecued tenderloin in a porcini crust with roasted baby beets and jerusalem artichoke puree by the talented team at Black Barn Bistro.

The Bullnose was absolutely sublime, showing juicy, succulent raspberry, liquorice and peppercorn notes with a core of sweet violet and redcurrant. The tannins are velvety and pliant and the finish is incredibly satisfying. Outstanding stuff indeed.

Matawhero Gisborne Pinot Gris 2011, $25

I love the aromas of quince paste, hints of wet stone and crushed oyster shells. In the mouth it's richly flavoured, incredibly textural and dry with fantastic persistence of flavour. It is a winner with smoked chicken and avocado salad drizzled with a mustard vinaigrette. Superb. www.matawhero.co.nz