Čuvar Guardians Corner Stone Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2024

Description

Blackberry, Oak, Spice

Please note that this wine is in strictly limited supply.

"Offering excellent fruit purity with stylish complexity, the perfumed bouquet showcases Black Doris plum, blueberry, violet, olive, game, and fine oak aromas. The concentrated palate displays a fine flow and silky texture, well supported by beautifully melded tannins, finishing impressively long and refined. At its best: 2027 to 2036" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Apr 2026

"Medium deep crimson. Dried roses, roasted capsicum, blackberry, hint wax polish, sous bois aromas. Pure blackberry pastille, strawberry, dried roses, marzipan flavours, fine slinky textures and underlying sage notes. A chalky bittersweet finish with chinotto notes. Unusual tension, complexity and character. At the exquisite cusp of ripeness. High imaginative winemaking" Andrew Caillard, Master of Wine

"Hues of dark red and purple with a magenta-pink rim lead to a bouquet of ripeness and concentration, spice and peppercorn, blackberry and black currant with seams of oak spice and dark clay soil suggestions. A dry wine with weight and intensity striking the palate first, varietal flavours of dark berries and barrel spice, some wood smoke and baking spices. Firm tannins with plenty of polish and a backbone of acidity add mouthfeel and length. A lovely example with best drinking from day of purchase through 2033+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Apr 2026

"Pepper, blackberries, chocolate and an herbal undertone. Medium- to full-bodied and fleshy, showing dark berries, a touch of cedar and balanced acidity. Well-crafted, with everything in place. Drink now or hold" James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

A beautifully perfumed nose of black doris plum, wild blackberry, licorice and brown spice. Flavours of freshly cracked black pepper, cured meats, lavender and dried herbs come through on the first sip. The palate is medium bodied and energetic with velvety, chalky tannins melding with bright acidity to produce great length, tension and structure.

Located on the southern banks of the Ngaruroro River in the famed Gimblett Gravels sub-region. Mature Syrah vines are planted on young, deep alluvial gravels that are free draining and encourage low yields and concentrated flavour. A sub-region that has naturally low rainfall and high sunshine hours producing exceptional cool-climate Syrah.

The 2024 vintage will go down as one of the finest ever seen in Hawke's Bay. A cool, extended flowering period in spring 2023 resulted in lower than average yields. This naturally concentrated the fruit and enhanced flavour intensity while maintaining beautifully balanced acidity.

The remainder of the growing season was near perfect, with warm days and cool nights allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The result is a collection of wines defined by remarkable vibrancy, depth, and generous, expressive flavour.

Picked early in the morning to retain freshness. 100% destemmed to open top fermenters. Approx 2 weeks on skins with daily plunging to extract colour and flavour.

Open top stainless steel fermenters. Pressed to 40% new and 60% seasoned French oak barriques. 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel. 14 months in barrel prior to blending.

Food Pairing:  This wine is an excellent match for a charcoal-roasted lamb shoulder finished with rosemary and garlic butter, or a slow-cooked beef brisket glazed in a rich barbecue sauce. For vegetarian options, it pairs beautifully with grilled portobello mushrooms or smoky eggplant topped with black olive tapenade. It also complements robust, hard cheeses, think aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda, ringing out their depth and complexity.