Bilancia is a small Hawke's Bay producer of exceptional Chardonnay, Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne and Syrah. It is the label of winemakers Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson and was established in 1997 when Lorraine and Warren returned to New Zealand from winemaking overseas. The first wines were released in mid 1998 and the first la collina Syrah in 2002

I commented that this had some Nebbiolo character around it, and to my surprise, there’s a little patch of Neb planted at Bilancia. I thought they were pulling my leg at first. Tea and rose petals, red and black fruits, Structure, firm, bright, long and a very specific and lovely sort of wine it is. A bit of a Nebbiolo thing happening. Unreal. Date: Jun 2024; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $45; Closure: Screwcap; Rated: 96 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Predominately from the neighbouring property, but also contains la Collina pressings also. Just about no oak, and no new oak for sure. Sappy, savoury, crisp and refreshing. Red fruited, super bright and slinky with fine weave of tannin, sour-sweet red fruits, a touch of maraschino, a lick of malt and some game meat with white pepper on top. It’s so vibrant, kind of refreshing/thirst-quenching, has almost a pinosity to the experience and yet gentle savoury elements in the mix. So lovely. A delightful, pure expression. Date: Oct 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $45; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2022-2029+; Rated: 94 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front

Deeply-tinted syrah with sweet, ripe berry fruit, cassis, dark-fleshed plum, black pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate and spicy oak. It is a delicious combination of flavours with a core of sweet, ripe fruit balanced by soft acidity and ripe tannins. A lot of wine for the price. Date: Feb 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $40.00; Drink: 2022-2031; Rating: 95 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review