John Forrest Collection Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006
If God allowed me to drink only one wine in the world, it would be Syrah from the Northern Rhone.
I love its vibrant fruit, defining acidity, savoury richness and seductive texture. In 1988, my passion for Syrah led me to seek out a vineyard site in Hawke's Bay at the stoniest, hottest, western end of Gimblett Road on Class 1a river gravels, where my business partner, friend and viticulturist, Bob Newton and I, established the Cornerstone Vineyard. I was
looking for a special place with similarities to the Northern Rhone, where a warm climate red varietal
such as Syrah would fully ripen. Though Gimblett Gravels is in its infancy as a wine region, Syrah is
clearly outstanding and has emerged as the premier varietal in the region to universal acclaim - and my personal delight.“
Tasting Notes
Gimblett Gravels lies in an abandoned riverbed, where the vines struggle to survive among the stones producing only a few bunches of deeply coloured, intensely flavoured grapes with superb tannins. This perfumed wine offers fascinating aromas of cedar, white pepper, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon with a touch of musk. Flavours are intense
and rich and include black plums and cherries as well as plenty of spice and warm, toasted oak.
A complex wine with layers of flavour matched by a rich and powerful yet elegant texture. |
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