Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah Hawkes Bay – 2020

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. Serve with Asian style beef short ribs.

“The 2020 Bullnose Syrah offers deli meat on the nose, exotic spice, graphite, black tea leaves and succulent red fruits. There is warmth (generosity, plushness, etc.) in this wine, but the acidity is cooling and detailed. Slinky, supple and balanced, shaped by ductile, tissue-paper tannins, chalky and shapely, this is lip-smacking. 13.5% and perfectly ripe. So good.” 96/100 Wine Advocate