2020 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah, Hawkes Bay

Dark burgundy with a vibrant purple hue. Immediately the nose shows all the hallmarks of the variety on these soils. Olive tapenade, mulberries, and spicy, gamey notes are all in abundance. The palate has prominent ripe tannins and an intensity that speaks to a warm vintage. Medium to full-bodied, the unique savoury and fruit balance is sure to entice all flavours of Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels.

The Gimblett Gravels endeavour is a model for terroir research outside traditional regions, and recent generous vintages have really begun to pay off for this disciplined private association of Hawke's Bay wine growers. This is glorious Syrah: deep, dense and black-red in colour, with classic varietal aromas which combine inner urgency with sweet seduction. On the palate the wine offers a cascade of fruit, with tempered acidity and shy tannins. It's the grain to that fruit which impresses so: primary (plum, currant and sloe) yet nuanced, too, perfumed to the last drop and with a sense of stone behind the fruit to lend it dignity and keep you coming back to the glass for more.

Platinum Best in Show & 97 points

Decanter World Wine Awards 2022