2021 Giesen Clayvin Vineyard Syrah, Marlborough

Trophy Best International Syrah Best Syrah/Shiraz of Show | Trophy Best NZ Red Wine International Wine Challenge 2023 | 

Trophy Best NZ Syrah International Wine  Challenge 2023 | Trophy Champion Red Wine of Show, Marlborough Wine Awards 2022 |

A compelling rendition of the variety, showing Black Doris plum, sweet cherry, violet, clove and cedar characters on the nose, leading to a gracefully rich palate exhibiting outstanding weight and depth, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and finely infused tannins. Substantial yet seamless and poised with a prolonged structured finish. At its best: 2025 to 2038

97 points Sam Kim Wine Orbit

Really beautiful pure syrah with crushed blackberry, white pepper, and slate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied yet held-in with lovely fine tannins that go on for minutes in the most polished way. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Fragrant, ripe and intense syrah with dense plum, dark berry and pepper/spice flavours. Youthful wine with firm tannins that is impressive now but shows obvious cellaring potential. 25 NOV 2022 Drink 2022–2035

95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Giesen's Clayvin Vineyard in Marlborough's Waihopai Valley represents a departure from the region's Sauvignon Blanc dominance, proving that Syrah can thrive in the right pockets of New Zealand's South Island. Heavy clay soils and a warm, sheltered microclimate allow the variety to ripen fully while retaining freshness, creating wines with Northern Rhône structure married to distinctive Southern Hemisphere character. The 2021 vintage delivered concentrated fruit with excellent natural acidity, resulting in a Syrah of impressive depth and ageability.

Deep purple with inky concentration, the wine opens with bold aromatics: blackberry, blueberry and dark plum are laced with cracked black pepper, smoked meat and violets. There's a savory complexity running through it, hints of olive tapenade, dried herbs and graphite adding intrigue to the ripe fruit core. The palate is full bodied and richly textured, delivering waves of black fruit, dark chocolate and espresso over a framework of firm, grainy tannins. Bright acidity keeps everything lively and focused, while the finish lingers with notes of licorice, charred oak and iron.

Pour alongside braised lamb shanks with rosemary and red wine, where the wine's power and structure match the dish's richness, or try beef brisket smoked low and slow with peppercorn crust. The Syrah excels with game dishes like venison Wellington, wild boar sausages with lentils, or duck confit with blackberry gastrique. For bolder flavors, consider Korean short ribs with gochujang glaze, Moroccan lamb kefta with harissa, or a hefty burger topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions. Aged cheddar, smoked Gouda or hard sheep's milk cheeses provide excellent companions.