Elephant Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah 2018

Description

• French Oak
• Savoury note
• Blackberries
• Silky tannins

"Deep, medium dark-ruby with depth and a purple hue, lighter on edge. The nose is fragrant with depth nuances of violet, herbaceous, black pepper, along with a meaty, savoury note and oak spices; melded with dark plums and blackberries in the background. Medium-full bodied, the wine is plush with cushions, integrated and soft flavours of dark plums and blackberries; entwined with violet, dark herbs and black pepper; alongside meaty and savoury flavours, quite complex. Finely weaved tannin structure reminiscent of milk chocolate, leaves the palate a moderate layer of ripe, silky tannin. A concentrated core of fruit harmonized the savoury, meaty element. Balanced acidity carries the rich flavours to a lingering finish. This is a rich and plush Syrah with complexing flavours of black fruit, violet, dark herbs, along with savoury element and interweaved milk chocolate tannin" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, Jun 2020

“With aromas of ripe black currant and red pepper corn, wild berry compote, pepper and sweet meats the bouquet is fresh, youthful, varietal and enticing. On the palate - flavours of dark berries and toasty oak, pepper and baking spices, currants, some ageing meats and earthy tones of dry rock. Medium tannins and plenty of acidity add texture and bite with the core of fruit adding weight, length and finish. A polished expression, ready to enjoy. Best drink from late 2020 through 2024” Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jun 2020

Hand harvesting, small batch fermentation and aging in French oak barriques ensure a wine of great balance and finesse. The 2018 Syrah is made with grapes from Hawke’s Bay vineyards. 99% Syrah cofermented with 1% of Viognier from Te Awanga. All the grapes were gently de-stemmed, pressed and aged for 18 months in 25% new French oak.

Established in 2003, Elephant Hill located within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean on the idyllic Te Awanga coast of Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. The winemaking at Elephant Hill is driven by tradition while not losing sight of what innovation can bring to the blend. The aim is to make wines that are balanced, elegant and a true expression of the vineyards they come from.

“The best Vintage on record?” A big claim and one they hear perhaps very often in some parts of the industry, but for the vineyards at Elephant Hill the 2018 Vintage has produced the best of all possible outcomes. Not only they have met their yield target (98.5%), but more importantly, they produced the flavour profiles that are required to produce superior Reserve and Icon quality wines.

Food Pairing: Match with grilled lamb & venison loin.