Neil McCallum is one of the Martinborough wine region pioneers planting his vineyards on the free-draining gravelly terrace in the Wairarapa in 1979. Dry River quickly established a reputation as one of the finest producers in the country producing Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Syrah and Pinot Noir. McCallum retired in 2011 and the winemaking duties have been taken over by Wilco Lamb with Robert Willis and his team tending the vines. The vision of Neil McCallum is in good hands and Dry River continues to be one of New Zealand's most sought after wines.

Deep, dark, dense purple/red: impressive colour. Banana-like fresh oak and fruit aroma, very youthful and a touch callow, with peppery aromas emerging and building as it breathed. It's medium-bodied at best, well modulated, with a little rawness. Lively acidity - but there is also flesh and softness, richness, density and good texture. True elegance. This looked better and better the longer it was in the glass. A beautiful shiraz indeed. Date Tasted: Nov 2013; Alcohol: 12%; Rating: 95 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review