NZ Syrah

June 23, 2025 (Cuisine magazine Issue 230)

Despite the global pandemic, 2021 was a good year for syrah, says MARY- THÉRÈSE BLAIR.

There are no surprises when we see that the 2021 wines are again triumphant when it comes to the syrah class. Despite the fact that most regions experienced a drop in volume, 2021 was the most incredible vintage with exceptional quality reported. It seems funny to look back at that year with so much fondness – how quickly I forget that we were amid a horrific pandemic as COVID-19 continued its unmerciful grip on the world. Perhaps it speaks to the bubble we live in within our respective professions, as there are many, I’m sure, that will reflect on this year with nothing less than a shudder. The silver lining is that today, thanks to the recommendations below, they get to reflect with a stunning 2021 syrah in their hand, so that’s got to make everything at least a little bit better.

top NZ Syrah

Trinity Hill Single Vineyard Gimblett Estate Syrah 2021 (Hawke’s Bay)

In an interview last year I was asked, “What are you drinking right now?” and I hesitantly said New Zealand syrah. I’m not sure why I hesitated but for some reason I felt it would be perceived as the wrong answer. Syrah makes up less than 1% of all wine made in New Zealand, yet when I serve it – which I do frequently – someone will comment on how incredible it is and wonder aloud why they don’t drink more of it.

New Zealand syrah is bright and elegant with spice and dark fruits alongside savoury characters and an unmistakable earthiness that honestly has me salivating just thinking about it. I might get lynched by the pinot noir devotees, but I genuinely believe that syrah is the best red varietal we make in New Zealand.

More than three-quarters of our syrah is grown in Hawke’s Bay and this stunning gem comes from a mere 18-hectare block of vineyards off Gimblett Road in Hawke’s Bay. Gimblett Estate is a particularly stony site and home to some of Trinity Hill’s oldest vines.

Handpicked whole bunches were kept on skins for 20 days before pressing, which most certainly accounts for the stunning deep colour present in the glass. Even upon first glance, this wine is impressive: it’s big and rich with sweet fruit, oak and spice aromas on the nose. The palate invites you to settle in and get comfortable with its plush elegance. The bright acid is well integrated with tannins and this gives the wine energy and a long fresh moreish finish. A superb wine.

 

| $120
→ more 1 View All Results in the Trinity Hill Single Vineyard Gimblett Estate Syrah 2021 (Hawke’s Bay) Tasting

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