Grape Variety: 100% Syrah

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Head Winemaker: Peter Robertson

TASTING NOTE:
I still remember the day we named the 'Back Block' Syrah, when Peter called me standing amongst the vines located at the back of Ohiti Estate - it all just made sense. For those of you who have lived your lives in a city - a 'back block' is a generic term - country, farming folk live in the back blocks (isolated hill country), and every farm has a back block. The Syrah vines at Ohiti, which are deep in the heart of Hawke's Bay, are literally at the back, surrounded by hills on a shingle, free draining base, north facing, thus ideal for ripening good red fruit.

The fruit was harvested on the 16th of April, and after arriving in the winery the juice was tank fermented, the cap being carefully management by pumping over the juice to extract colour, aroma and layers of flavour. It was pressed and immediately went back into tank, where it underwent malolactic fermentation. It was then carefully transferred into new and used French oak barrels to develop and mature for approximately seven months, before bottling.

In the glass you have a rich magenta colour. On the nose you have subtle notes of black pepper, dried herbs, oak and dark fruits are integrated by balanced low alcohol of just 13%. The wine is vibrant and approachable, with the dark berry flavours filling out the palate and giving the wine a pleasing lingering finish. The grapes might come from the back block, but the flavours are all up front. Decant for 30-40 minutes and serve at 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this winter season; and will develop over the next 3-4 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with slow roasted lamb, beef & gnocchi pasta and hard cheeses, enjoy.

A Syrah that will surprise you.