The grapes for this distinguished wine were grown exclusively in our highly regarded Mere Road (84%) and Trust Block (16%) Vineyards in the celebrated Gimblett Gravels district of Hawkes Bay. Hand-picked between 15th-24th April 2013 at 22° Brix, the grapes were destemmed, retaining whole berries, which were cold soaked for 2 days prior to fermentation.

The two batches proceeded through ferment with selected yeast – one parcel in French integrale barrel rotated twice daily, and the other in an open top fermenter plunged twice daily. Post fermentation, the wines were allowed 14-23 days alcohol soak before being pressed off skins and transferred to barrel for 17 months aging in quality French hogsheads (46% new). This superior wine received a light egg white fining and pad filtration before bottling on 18 November 2014 under Stelvin screwcap.

Bestowed with ‘Classic NZ Wine’ status, this superb Syrah from the exceptional 2013 vintage brims with intense flavour and complexity, displaying luscious boysenberry, pepper spice and liquorice, on a beautifully integrated and refined palate. Eminently drinkable now, it will also greatly reward cellaring for longer term enjoyment.