yes - I have had a wine geek few days. The Syrah Symposium was the day following the Cabernet Merlot Forum in the 'sunny' Hawkes Bay.

The Bay was distinctly NOT sunny - cold, windy and wet. It looks like harvest is delayed by about two weeks (if it stops raining this week).

But the symposium was great non the less. Although it was very interesting to learn of the importance of vine vigour variability to the Syrah wine quality on the Gimblett Gravels, I must admit my head was feeling a little fuzzy and slow following the dinner and subsequent drinks after the Cab Forum. The highly technical talk on colour dynamics and co-ferments to follow meant that some of my fellow collegues - whom also enjoyed a few drinks into the wee hours of the morning - were starting to nod off.

But nothing wakes up a room full of wine industry professionals like a few tastings and case studies. These three tastings were extremely well presented, comprising of many amazing wines, were very informative.

1. Australia Case Study and Tasing - presented of Dan Buckle, Mount Langi Ghiran Wines.
You should all go and purchase a bottle of both the 2004 and the 2006 Mount Langi Ghiran Syrah. Chances are you would be pleasantly suprised by the understated power and intensity of these wines. The tannins were chewy, the fruit - full of blueberries and black currants - was intermingled by spice notes.

2. The Rhone - presented by Jason Yapp, Yapp Brothers UK
Obviously the Rhone holds a very special place in this man's heart - the passion and knowledge flowing from the stage was being eaten up by the audience. And who could disagree with him? As Oz Clarke stated on the day - they are very "sensual" wines. It is hard to pick out favourites in a line up of "gods" but a few did stick out.
- 2007 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage : clean, bright fruits jump out of the glass. Slightly herby notes mingled with the currents. The acidity is bright and racey : exactly as eating a fresh blackberry striaght off the bush. Silky tanins, good length. And at only NZ$38, you can't go wrong.
- 2004 Cornas from the Clape family. Rich blueberry and currant notes with hights of mushroon and spice notes. The fine tannins create a sense of elegance and finese, complimenting the intense and powerfull blueberry layers. Fantastic wine.
- 2001 Hermitage Domaine J-L Chave. Amazing wine, as you would expect. Dull pepper notes on nose accompained by slight coconut and briar notes. Sage and nuances of spice linger. The palate has a lovely bright fruit - blackberries - and looks tight and restrained. Lovely tannins create a lengthy structure and are well integrated with oak spice. The dried herbs mingle.

3. World Styles - presented by Tim Atkin MW
An amazing case study and tasting of the different Syrah/Shiraz made throughout the world - Portugal, Israel, Spain, USA, Chile, South Africa, Italy, New Zealand. A fascinating look at the different styles created throughout the world. My favourites (because it is always impossible to pick one) were
- 2006 Gramercy Cellars "John Lewise" Walla Walla Syrah (USA)
- 2006 Quinta do Monte d'Oiro Reserva (Portugal)
Perhaps these wines were not the most complex or academic, but they were thoroughly enjoyable to drink.....which is the most important factor.

It was great to see a room full of industry professionals together for a day comitted to furthering the knowledge of Syrah. I hope that this great grape and subsequent amazing wine from New Zealand will start making a name for itself.