The fruit was sourced from the Redstone Vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle area in Hawke’s Bay which is the vineyard primarily used for the Tom Syrah in the years it is made. Fully de-stemmed and lightly crushed to tank, inoculated with a selected yeast strain and fermentation was allowed to peak at 32 degrees ensuring good extraction of colour, ripe tannin and flavour. Under screw cap. A deep opaque purple in the glass, little sign of aging. Bacon fat and plum with a hint of white pepper on the nose. Creamy mouth feel, juicy, plush and generous although has a density and concentration which is very attractive. Flavours of ripe plum but also inky iodine characters. The length is medium with nicely balanced acidity. Interestingly there is a mix of French (87%) and Hungarian oak (13%) of which 34% was new and the balance being predominantly second fill with a small number third fill. The wine remained on light lees for six months while in oak to further improve palate texture – the benefit of which is evident in the mouth – before the wine was returned to barrel. Total time in oak was 17 months. As always a great wine that punches well above its weight especially when you consider price point. 93pts
Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah 2015
