Mission Huchet Syrah 2019

This wine originates from the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, a region celebrated for its warm climate and free-draining alluvial soils. Located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Hawke's Bay benefits from a long growing season that provides excellent ripening conditions for Syrah. Mission Estate, established in 1851, is New Zealand's first winery, carrying a legacy of pioneering winemaking influenced by French missionaries.

The 2019 Huchet Syrah is a single-varietal wine made from sustainably cultivated Syrah vines. The wine showcases the bold and complex character of New Zealand Syrah, offering a rich combination of ripe black fruits, subtle spice, and earthy undertones. It is full-bodied, with great power and depth, designed to age gracefully for 10–20 years.

The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed, and transferred to small fermenters. During fermentation, the wine was gently mixed daily to enhance colour and flavour concentration. Post-fermentation, the cap was left undisturbed for a 28-day maceration to add complexity and structure. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with a selection of new and one-year-old oak. Bottled unfined, this meticulous process highlights the purity and intensity of the wine.

The 2019 Mission Huchet Syrah offers a deep, intense nose of black plum, raspberry, and subtle hints of cedar, vanilla, and sandalwood. On the palate, it is robust and full-bodied, with layered flavours of rich black fruits and white spices. The wine displays a velvety texture, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish with notes of exotic wood and earthy minerality.

This Syrah is an excellent match for braised lamb shanks, venison, or beef Wellington. It also pairs well with spiced dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine or smoky barbecued meats. Serve at 16–18°C.