2023 Te Mata Bullnose Syrah, Hawkes Bay

Cinnamon oak sweetness with subtle floral notes and dried rosemary are balanced by game, dark spice, and cocoa nibs. The palate is currently very young with the raspberry and blackberry flavours framed by high acidity and light fruit tannins which are supported by sweet oak. The dried herb notes carry through from the nose but melt into the plummy flavours on the finish. Slightly chewy on the back, it needs a bit of time to come together and will develop over the mid-term by virtue of its elegance and acidity. Drink 2026–2035.

94 points Stephen Wong for The Real Review, May 2025

The 2023 Bullnose Syrah leads with crushed rocks and rose petals, pomegranate pearls, raspberry and a shading of tapenade. In the mouth, the wine is silky and medium-bodied, more leafy than in previous vintages but leaning toward dried herbs rather than anything indicating "greenness." A casing of dark chocolate or powdered cocoa is like a gossamer sheath over the fruit and is very attractive. As ever, this is an impressive wine from this Cabernet-focused house in Hawke's Bay. As usual, the tannins are chalky and supple through the middle palate, and they serve to define the finish. Drink 2025-2038

94 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, June 2025

The Bullnose vineyard on the red iron soils in Hawke's Bay's Bridge Pa Triangle was first planted in 1990 to Northern Rhône clones. Winemaker Phil Brodie and the Te Mata team have spent three decades learning to understand this site while it has become one of New Zealand's most consistently celebrated Syrah wines.

The 2023 is a blend of fruit from Te Mata's Bridge Pa and Gimblett Gravels vineyards, destemmed and given a traditional warm-plunged fermentation with extended maceration before 13 months in French oak.

This is a cooler, fresher expression than in some of the recent warmer vintages. Striking crimson with a vivid purple hue, the nose shows violets, raspberry, plum and cinnamon with an underlying spice and floral lift that is distinctly the wine's own. The palate is medium-bodied with silky, cashmere-like tannins, impressive fruit purity, savoury nuance and a long, refined finish.

A wine that rewards attention and gives generously in return. Good food companions include slow-cooked lamb with herb or soy-braised beef short ribs.

Drink now through 2033.