Newton Forrest Syrah 2006
The Cornerstone Vineyard is situated in the heart of the “Gimblett Gravels” viticultural region at the junction of Gimblett Road and State Highway 50, Hawkes Bay. This region has established itself as New Zealand’s pre-eminent Bordeaux reds and Rhone Syrah grape growing area. The explanation for this lies within the extra warmth of the riverbed stones and gravels in which the grapes struggle to survive and produce only a few bunches of deeply-coloured, intensely flavoured ripe berries with superb mouthfilling tannins.
Vintage 2006 produced what was ideal ripening conditions for Bordeaux reds from Gimblett Gravels. Our summer was superb and its warmth extended into autumns vintage period allowing all grapes to attain full ripeness. By analysis the growing season was 100 Growing Degree Days (G.D.D) up on vintage 2004 – significantly above average. Rainfall through late summer was also above average, occurring mostly in discreet bursts, and had the affect of maintaining vine growth, reducing late season stress and ensuring even ripening of the crop without any significant disease pressure. Harvest began in mid April with each variety being hand picked. Each pick was fermented in small 3-tonne open fermenters, hand plunged and allowed varying periods of post-ferment skin contact prior to pressing off the wine for malolactic fermentation and ageing in a mix of French (70%) and American (30%) oak barriques.
Tasting Notes
Gimblett Gravels syrah – vibrant nose of spices – cinnamon, cadomine, nutmeg, white pepper, and violets in flower. Exotic, alluring and oh so attractive to smell. To taste – spicy fruit cake, vanilla bean and rose water aromas add to the wines instant appeal. The wines alive in the mouth with soft full tannins, warmth and vibrant acidity. Such an appealing and drinkable wine belies its ability to age gracefully for many years. |
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