Grape Varietal: 100% Syrah

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Owner / Chief Winemaker: Peter Robertson

TASTING NOTE:
The crafting of the 'Hillside' Syrah is only considered during the best of growing seasons. Then only after several barrel tastings and discussions is it agreed to blend and bottle this special wine. The 2013 vintage was a most memorable one for the whole New Zealand wine industry. Being described by those in the know, as arguably the best New Zealand has yet seen. So what better way to salute a great vintage - than to craft and bottle a wine to capture this season.

The ripe parcels of fruit were on harvested on the 11th & 16th of April. The intensely flavoured bunches were de-stemmed, crushed and then fermentation took place in open top fermenters at a warm temperature, to extract colour and tannins. Following pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then racked into barriques (predominantly new French oak barrels) for maturation and development. Then some 12 months later the wine was taken out of oak barrel, tasted blended and was estate bottled.

As you fill your glass, you will be greeted by an intense red wine with a magenta glow. On the already expressive nose, this 2013 'Hillside' Syrah has generous sweet dark berries, crushed spice, liquorice, herb infused pepper and a hint of toasty oak. All of these ripe characters carry through onto the palate, together with notes of tobacco, liquorice nicely wrapped up in firm tannins and in what can only be described as an encore finish. Decant for 60 minutes, serve at 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
With decanting, approachable this Xmas season, plus another 10-12 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with prime-cuts of red meat, slow-roasted duck served with roasted vegetables, enjoy.

An exceptional wine, from an exceptional vintage.