"100% syrah that's been fermented in French oak, 10% new. Fruit-focused wine with black pepper, violet, plum, berry and spice. Bone-dry, but not austere, with slightly grippy tannins, although they should mellow with a little bottle age" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Nov 2017

The colour of dark boysenberries with lifted aromas of ripe plums, cherry and spice, Estate Vineyards Syrah ’16 is a marvel of red fruit and charm. Cinnamon, aniseed, and notes of  mocha, rose petal and allspice, float across the palate of  crushed raspberries, juicy, fresh cranberries and fine, long tannins. Decadent but restrained, elegant but deliciously drinkable, Estate Vineyards Syrah ’16 remains a glass full of  everyday luxury.

Estate Vineyards Syrah ’16 was harvested between 31 March and 14 April 2016 from Te Mata Estate’s own vineyards in Hawke’s Bay’s Woodthorpe Terraces and Bridge Pa Triangle sub-regions. The individual parcels of  syrah from each plot were destemmed for fermentation and remained on skins for extended maceration before pressing. It was then run off  to a mixture of  new and seasoned French oak barrels for 12 months’ maturation, during which time it was regularly topped and racked. The wine received a traditional egg white fining before bottling. Estate Vineyards Syrah ’16 will continue to evolve in bottle for two to four years from harvest.

Food Pairing: It is a wonderful accompaniment to all red meats, savoury and lightly spiced dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as soft cheeses.