Tasting Note:
Crafted with hand harvested grapes grown in the prestigious Gimblett Gravels, this classic Hawkes Bay Syrah displays aromas of blackcurrant, spice, violet and black pepper. Showing complexity, purity of fruit and depth of flavour on the palate this wine is elegant, well-balanced and exhibits supple tannins and a long, concentrated finish.
Cellaring:
This wine will continue to develop and improve with bottle age for at least five to eight years from vintage
Winemaking Data:
Destemmed:100%
Cap Management: Hand plunged
Vessels: Open top vessels
Maceration: 20-25 days
Barrels: French 24% new
Maturation: 20months oak
Fining: Minimal egg white
Filtration: Minimal
Bottled: February 2009
Soils and Viticulture
Fruit for this wine was grown entirely in our Twyford and Omahu Gravels vineyards situated in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels grape growing district. The soil is made up of relatively recent alluvial deposits of gravel with varying degrees of silt and sand. These naturally free draining, low vigour, lean sites combined with meticulous vineyard management and the long, hot growing season of 2007 have produced a wine showing intensity and depth of flavour.
Awards & Accolades:
- Trophy [Reserve Champion Wine of Show] Trophy Champion syrah - Bragato Wine Awards 2010 [NZ]
- Trophy [Sustainability] - Bragato Wine Awards 2010 [NZ]
- Trophy (Champion Syrah) - Tri Nations Wine Awards (Australia) 2010
- Gold - Bragato Wine Awards 2010 [NZ]
- Gold – Hawkes Bay A&P Mercedes Benz Awards 2009 [NZ]
- Gold - Royal Easter Show 2011
- "Potential Classic" - Michael Cooper 2010
- 92/100 - Bob Campbell 2010