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Harvest Detail:
Syrah picked 12-18/4/07
Brix 21.2 - 25.5°
Total acidity 5.3 – 7.3 g/l
pH 3.34 – 3.60
Viognier picked 28/3 - 18/4/07
Average brix 27°
Bottling Detail:
13.5% alcohol
6.1 g/l acidity
Total acidity 3.57pH
1 g/l r.s.
Bottled June 2008
1997- 2002, 2004 - 2006
2009 - 2015
We expect this wine to age 5-8 years plus under good cellaring conditions. |
One look at this wine in a glass tells all – deep, rich and inviting. Trinity Hill is a leading producer of this Rhone-style Syrah, the rising star of wines and perhaps the Gimblett Gravels’ signature variety.
The vintage of 2007 was outstanding, reflected in this vibrant, beautifully structured wine.
Syrah 96% Viognier 4%
Gimblett Estate and Gimblett Stones – our own vineyards situated in the Gimblett Road area of the Hawkes Bay's Western plains. Soils consist of river shingle, deposited by the Ngaruroro River.
2007 was a great vintage for Syrah in the Gimblett Gravels.
The grapes were gently destemmed and lightly crushed to leave a large portion of uncrushed berries. A small quantity of Viognier was crushed with the Syrah grapes. Fermentation took place in closed stainless steel fermenters and the cap was pumped over twice daily for optimum color and tannin extraction. Extended post-fermentation maceration complexes the tannins, softening and stabilizing the wine. The wine was subsequently aged in a mixture of new and older French and American oak barriques. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank before going to barrel.
We are protective of the wine and use techniques such as would be used to make Pinot Noir, whereby we handle the wine very gently in order to reduce contact with oxygen. Our Syrah is quite delicate and responds best to sensitive winemaking.
The wine was blended after about 14 months oak aging and bottled in June 2008.
Deep, vibrant crimson
Blackberry, black pepper, savoury and spice elements are prominent, with meaty overtones. The Viognier has added a lifted aromatic quality.
Multi-layered complexity is the aim. Powerful, but ripe and round tannins give the wine great structure. Oak aging plays a minor part and the wine lives on its fruit. Combined with the good acidity, these characteristics mean excellent aging potential. Development of mineral, earthy and tarry characters are likely during bottle aging, resulting in a wine that is distinctly Northern Rhone-like rather than resembling any thing Australian.
Lamb, game especially venison. |
