Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2019 from Hawke’s Bay is a seriously impressive New Zealand Syrah, combining fragrant florals with dark, gravel‑etched structure in a very polished, modern style. This Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2019 typically delivers blackberries, dark plum and boysenberry wrapped around violet, cracked pepper, dried herbs and a graphite, smoky mineral thread from the famous deep gravels. The palate is medium‑plus bodied and focused, with fine but assertive tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish that’s built for both pleasure and cellaring.

On the table, it’s a brilliant match for lamb cutlets, slow‑roast shoulder, venison, beef rib or chargrilled steaks, where that combination of dark fruit, pepper and savoury spice absolutely sings. It also works beautifully with richer mushroom dishes, hard cheeses and slow‑cooked ragùs, making it a top choice for cooler evenings and more serious dinners where you want something structured yet refined in the glass. Give it a good decant and serve in large red wine glasses to unlock all those layers of fruit, florals and spice.

For Australian drinkers who love cooler‑climate Shiraz with a northern Rhône twist, this is a compelling buy – single‑vineyard fruit from the heart of Gimblett Gravels, sensitive oak, and a style that balances perfume, power and detail with ease. If you enjoy Syrah that’s more about pepper, violets and savoury complexity than sheer ripeness, this will be right in your wheelhouse and should age gracefully for at least a decade from vintage.