Grape Variety: 100% Syrah

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Owner / Chief Winemaker: Peter Robertson

TASTING NOTE:
This outstanding Syrah grown in a very special site found and planted by Peter; reminds me how young, but how quickly the New Zealand wine industry has matured and developed in such a short time. All captured in a single bottle, or in this case a glass of wine shared with friends and a nicely brazed piece of venison. Or maybe I am showing my age, as I have watched this wine develop from its first vintage, then to beating the Australians in their own competition in 2004, right up to this vintage.

The Hillside vineyard is located on a north-facing slope of a superb hillside site between Bridge Pa and Maraekakaho in Hawke's Bay. All of the fruit for this wine was hand harvested on the 17th April 2007. The incredible intensely flavoured fruit was de-stemmed, crushed and fermented at warm temperatures for rich colour and tannin extraction. Following pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then racked into new oak barriques. After maturing in oak for 18 months it was bottled, then rested for a short while before release.

In the glass you will be greeted by a dark red - almost black colour. The bouquet of this 2007 Hillside Syrah is very confident but friendly, with complex aromas intertwined with freshly cracked black pepper and spice. The wine is packed with dark plum characters, sweet berries, toast, and balanced oak form a multi layered palate that lingers into next week.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Decanter for 45+ minutes; or will age gracefully for 10-12 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with game meats, wine jus and truffle brie cheese, enjoy.

5 Stars - Classic Syrah, Michael Coopers, Buyers Guide 2010.