Hawkes Bay Tasting Sydney
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's oldest and second-largest wine region, with the
first vineyards laid down in the late 1800s. It includes some of the country's
oldest and still operating wineries like Te Mata Estate, Church Road and Mission
Estate. Incredibly it only earned its official GI in 2018 but has been producing
arguably some of the country's best reds since inception.
Several
sub-regions speak to the diversity of terroir that gives the region its
distinctive character. Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc all
attract points, but the most notable varieties tend to be full-flavoured
Bordeaux-style reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Gimblett Gravels
The Gimblett Gravels is an area
of approximately 800 hectares (2,000 acres) known for and defined by the extent
of a particular local soil stratum known as the Omahu Gravels. It is one of the
few geographical indications in the world defined by a soil type rather than the
usual geographical, municipal or political boundaries. Arguably the best reds in
the country come of this special terroir.
Bridge Pa
Triangle
Also known as the Ngatarawa Triangle, the Bridge Pa
Triangle wine district is approximately traced by three roads: Ngatarawa Road,
State Highway 50 and Maraekakaho Road. It adjoins the Gimblett Gravels to the
north, and contains the old riverbed of the nearby Ngaruroro River. One of it
most notable and most awarded wines is the Te Mata Bullnose
Syrah.
Te Mata
The Te Mata is an area of hills
adjacent to Havelock North and Te Mata Peak. It was first protected by the
Hawke's Bay Regional Council in 1996, making it New Zealand's first legally
protected wine growing area.
Te Awanga
Several
vineyards are established in the coastal area around the small town of Te
Awanga, and see some of the regions sunniest and mellow Hawke's Bay climate,
moderated by cool coastal breezes at night.
Central Hawke's
Bay
Growers 50 kilometres (31 mi) further south around the towns
of Waipawa and Waipukurau who registered their own GI.
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Trinity Hill 'Homage' Syrah 2018This is a complex and very intense syrah that offers a deeply ripe yet fresh and clear-cut impression of blackberry and pepper, with other layers of spice, graphite and gently meaty notes. The palate is silky yet powerful with really finely layered tannins that cast a long, evenly built finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (98) JAMES SUCKLING
The 2018 Homage Syrah includes a mere 0.4% Viognier, yet it boasts distinct scents of stone fruit on the nose, backed by red and black raspberries and hints of peppermint. It's only medium-bodied, in line with the trend over the past few vintages toward less power and (presumably) more finesse. In this vintage, it comes off a bit lacking in richness on the palate, although the wine's complexity—marrying mixed berries, violets, spice and herb notes, plus hints of licorice and coffee—makes this still a very enjoyable drink. Give it another couple of years in the cellar and drink it over the following decade or so. JOE CZERWINSKI, The Wine Advocate
Ultra floral scents, strawberry too, whiffs of flint and wet stone, clove and cedar in tow. The palate is sinewy, lightly chewy, very long, finely wrapped in a web of firm, ribbons of tannin. Feels very composed, almost a little mouth perfume and floral ‘flavours’ emerging too. Suitably elegant in its vibe. Great red. MIKE BENNIE, The Wine Front2008shirazNew Zealand403$185.00 As low as $166.50