2015 Mission Estate “Reserve” Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand

Arriving in New Zealand in 1838, pioneering French missionaries established a lasting legacy. Their numerous achievements, woven into the fabric of history, led to the creation of New Zealand’s first winery, Mission Estate, in 1851. The enduring influence of these French-trained vintners is evident in the winery’s small batch, barrel-aged wines. This rich heritage continues to inspire and shape the winery’s tradition today.  Why do we like it? The fruit was crushed and transferred to a fermenter, where it was inoculated with yeast for a warm fermentation. Daily mixing of the grapes and must ensure optimal colour extraction. After fermentation, the mixture was left on the skins for an additional period to develop the desired texture before pressing. Subsequent maturation in oak produced a vibrant, fruit-forward wine with complex characteristics.This exquisitely aromatic Reserve Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels region in Hawke’s Bay showcases flavours of blackberry, dark plum, and toasted nuts, along with nuanced notes of black pepper and violet. Grown in gravel beds, free-draining alluvial soils and stony terraces, this is a wine that is warm yet elegant. Serve at about 15 degrees. Will benefit from decanting and can drink now. Grape            Syrah Country        New-Zealand                                  Region          Gimlett Gravel                           Vintage         2015