2022 Man O' War Dreadnought Syrah, Waiheke Island

Bottle-aged aromas of dried sage, thyme and wood smoke underpin the ripe primary aromas of black cherry, plum and berry. There's a little black pepper too. The palate has a lovely freshness, despite the concentration and the tannins are slippery and fine. Just starting to drink well though there's no hurry as there's plenty in reserve 12 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2032

93 points Jane Skilton MW therealreview.com

From the rugged coastline of Waiheke Island in New Zealand comes Dreadnought Syrah, one of the flagship wines of Man O’ War Vineyards. The estate is located on the remote eastern end of the island where steep hillsides overlook the Hauraki Gulf and the vineyards are shaped by constant sea breezes and abundant sunshine. Man O’ War was established by the Spencer family, who recognised the remarkable potential of Waiheke Island’s coastal terroir for producing expressive red wines. The estate farms a large collection of small vineyard sites across the peninsula, each with its own soils, aspect and microclimate, allowing the winemaking team to craft wines that reflect the character of the island.

Dreadnought Syrah takes its name from a historic naval battleship and represents one of the most powerful expressions of the variety from the estate. The vineyards are planted on steep, free draining clay and volcanic soils that produce small concentrated berries. The maritime climate moderates the warmth of the growing season, helping the fruit develop both ripeness and aromatic complexity.

The wine shows a deep crimson colour with purple highlights. Aromas open with blackberry, dark plum and black cherry layered with violet, cracked pepper and subtle smoky spice. As the wine evolves further notes of olive tapenade, liquorice and graphite emerge, reflecting the savoury character often found in Syrah grown near the coast. The palate is rich yet beautifully balanced with fine tannins carrying flavours of dark berries, plum and spice across a structured frame. Fresh acidity brings energy and precision, leading to a long persistent finish with layers of fruit and savoury complexity.