Syrah Gimblett Gravels Trinity Hill 2019

We visited Trinity Hill during our 2014 tours to New Zealand, and met winemaker Warren Gibson, who has been with Trinity Hill since 1997 and is a pioneer of the famed Gimblett Gravels – free draining soils too infertile to support economic sheep raising, that were rescued in the 1980s from a cement factory by some determined wine growers!

Hawkes Bay used to be New Zealand’s most prestigious region, but the rise of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has somewhat dimmed its fame.  Gimblett Gravels Syrahs are doing their best to recover its status, and this one shows why.  Earthy and spicy on the nose, rich brambly fruit on the palate with a lovely tannic structure.  If you can’t leave it for 5 years to mature gracefully, a couple of hours in a decanter (or even a jug) before you serve it will ensure it opens out and reveals its loveliness.

This would go brilliantly with a slow cooked venison casserole or a roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic. Comté is the cheese for this wine.

International Wine Challenge 2021, Silver.