Dark ripe Syrah from our Omahu and Mangatahi vineyards, hand-picked, traditionally fermented on skins, aged in fine French oak barriques.

Deep ruby red colour. Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, red liquorice, black pepper and red flowers show beautifully. The palate is medium to full bodied with flavours of ripe black fruits, raspberry, anise, pepper, thyme and a lovely thread of vanilla and cedar from oak and fruit. The finish is long with a lovely savoury twist.

Blend: 100% Syrah

Season Summary: A trouble free Spring with no significant frosts and good flowering led to a very dry early summer. This set up the later season and vintage period beautifully as the season became warm with little rain. February and March were particularly dry without the often present humidity allowing the luxury of perfect harvest timing. Growing degree days just above long term averages.

Viticulture: A blend of Gimblett Gravels (62%) and Mangatahi (38%) fruit. Predominantly Mass Selection clone (70%), with smaller amounts of Clone 470 (19%), Baileys (6%) and Clone 877 (5%). Hand tended; low yielding vines allow for greater concentration in the resulting wine.

Winemaking: 100 % destemmed but not crushed prior to fermentation. Very gentle extraction with one gentle pump over each day of fermentation. Pressed soon after dryness. Barrel ageing of 14 months in French oak barriques, 35% new.

Tasting Note: Deep ruby red colour. Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, red liquorice, black pepper and red flowers show beautifully. The palate is medium to full bodied with flavours of ripe black fruits, raspberry, anise, pepper, thyme and a lovely thread of vanilla and cedar from oak and fruit. The finish is long with a lovely savoury twist.

Chemical Analysis

Alcohol: 13.0%

TA: 6.4 g/l

pH: 3.56

Suitable for Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes