Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah 2019 Hawke's Bay New Zealand 750ml

Syrah is possibly New Zealand’s most under-appreciated – and undervalued – grape. Te Mata were to a large extent the pioneers in producing fine quality Syrah in New Zealand and their Bullnose Syrah is one of the country’s top examples. Bullnose is grown on the second oldest Syrah vineyards in New Zealand, planted in 1989 and 1990, and its first vintage was 1992.  

“Bullnose” has hedonistic aromas of cinnamon, lavender, ultra-ripe raspberry and black cherry. Lush with plum and boysenberry, the palate has immense depth and is interwoven with spice and velvety chocolate tannins. 

Brilliant amethyst with a deep black core, Bullnose Syrah ’19 glimmers with raspberry, ripe black cherry, and dried strawberry over lush velvet tannins. There are grace notes of black pepper, chocolate, liquorice, lilac, even char and baking spices, with the structure and elegance contributing to undeniable ageing potential. Ripe-fruited. Taut. Silky. Bullnose Syrah ’19 is utter class. Purity combined with power, a sumptuous dark heart, and a long, structured, elegant finish. 

Winemaker’s tip: serve with Asian style beef short ribs.

Drink 2022-2030

'The wine exhibits a great degree of elegance as well as opulence and gutsy substance. The sweetly fragrant bouquet shows Black Doris plum, violet, cedar and game characters with a touch of pepper spice. It’s weighty and sumptuous on the palate displaying awesome fruit purity and silky mouthfeel, wonderfully framed by loads of polished tannins. A stunning rendition of the variety.' 96 pts, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit