Wine Talk: Wine with some heat

Yvonne Lorkin.

Henry's Drive Dead Letter Office Padthaway Shiraz 2013, $22

Named after the postal clerks of old who had the authority to open "undeliverable" mail. But they had to restrict themselves to only reading the bare minimum of info to expedite safe delivery. This glossy, purple-crimson wine delivers a message of vanilla, pencil shavings, plum and blackberry. It's got heat and heft, hairy tannins and dusty, leathery length. She's a big shiraz mate - chuck us another wombat pattie would ya... thegoodwine.co.nz.

La Valentina Fiano 2013, $35

Fiano is an ancient grape traditionally grown in Campania, Southern Italy and the grapes for this example are grown in San Valentino, a hillside town in the province of Pescara. Every November, Pescara hosts the Festa dei Cornuti, a parade that either (and here's where things get blurry) supports or snorts at men with adulterous wives. Yet purity prevails here. Creamy white peach, honeysuckle, crushed shells and white pepper on the nose, followed by lemon and almond flavours and smoky tones on the finish. For stockists visit manifestowinecompany.co.nz.

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