A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and Grenache, the 2014 Pilgrim has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and pronounced aromas of black cherries, crushed blackberries, roses and black pepper with hints of tar, anise, cinnamon stick and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is loaded with perfumed black fruit and spice flavors, supported by firm, rounded tannins and balanced freshness, finishing long and peppery.

Medium-deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Pilgrim is a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault and Viognier that entices the nose with bright aromas of red currant, red plum and dried herbs alongside some cedar and olive notes. With a great texture and an ample core of lifted red berry flavor accented by faint, minty hints, it has a vibrant acid backbone and medium level of grainy tannins through a long finish. Drink it now to 2019+. It is difficult to discuss the development of Waiheke as a wine island without mentioning Stonyridge. Although this was not the first winery on the island (producing wine since 1985), it is firmly among the pioneers and is today one of this region’s most famous and highly sought-after producers. Owner / head winemaker Steve White came to Waiheke in the early 1980s after completing a Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and a stint working at wineries in California. With a new-found thirst for Bordeaux varietal wines and his desire to find an area in his homeland NZ to produce greatness, it was here that he saw potential. He started this project with barely two sticks to rub together while camping in a field next to the vineyard to produce the first vintages. Although his girlfriend at the time was none too impressed with his “romantic” notions of wine greatness, today the wine world is that much richer for his foresight, vision and tenacity. Stonyridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux blend Larose is now one of New Zealand’s greatest and, justifiably, most expensive wines with a considerable cult following. The field next to the vineyard has been developed into a winery with a stunning restaurant and bar and plenty of sunny slopes upon which guests can lounge the day away. And Steve White has developed from something of a fanciful bohemian into a wine rock star. Not a bad success story, eh? Imported by Golden State Wine Company, Los Angeles, CA

The 2008 Pilgrim Syrah/Mourvedre/Grenache Waiheke “GSM” has a plush, spicy bouquet with an agreeable volatile lift that lends it a Mediterranean feel, accompanied by aromas of crushed stone, blackberry leaf, black plum and then boysenberry jam, all with superb definition. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins, well balanced and very approachable with slightly lower acidity, rounded and supple with a touch of black pepper on the smooth, sensuous finish. This is an excellent, ambitious GSM that should age well over 4-6 years. Drink 2012-2018. Stonyridge Vineyards, one of the founding fathers of Waiheke, continues to produce some of the idyllic island’s benchmark wines, most notably its flagship “Larose”. Founder Stephen White told me that 2009 was blessed with an Indian summer that compensated for ominous cool, cloudy weather earlier in the season. Given its renown, Stonyridge remains an artisan producer: just 1,500 case of the Larose are produced each year. But their entry-level “Fallen Angel” range is well worth seeking out with some well-crafted white varietals. Importer: Golden State Wine Co., Van Nuys, CA; tel. (800) 266-WINE