Stone Paddock 2007 Syrah, Hawkes Bay

Tasting Notes

• Tasting Notes

Ripe Syrah grapes were hand-harvested in early April, creating a wine with an aroma of sweet berries, herbal notes and floral characters. The palate is velvety soft with berry fruit flavours and hints of mocha and smoky oak. The tannins are ripe and yet firm and support a long, lingering finish.

Foodmatch

This classic Syrah shows lovely soft and elegant fruit and will be most complemented by game, poultry, wild mushroom dishes, pork and beef tenderloins or barbecued meat.

Viticulture

The main block of Syrah vines at Paritua Vineyards was planted along one side of the road into the winery, whilst the other block borders the Paritua Stream. The soil types—a deep red shingle base lying under a shallow covering of Ngatarawa sandy loam—make this a superb Syrah growing area. Syrah 2007 includes hand-picked fruit from two French clones, 174 and Chave.

Cellaring Potential

Best drinking now and through 2009.

Winemaking Notes

Whole bunch fruit was fermented in closed tanks at controlled temperatures to retain the soft and elegant fruit flavours. Gentle pressing and oak maturation in French oak barriques (20% new) for 10 months enhances the style and complexity of the wine. The 2007 Syrah was bottled in late March 2008.

Technical Notes

Alcohol: 13.5% by vol.
pH: 3.67
TA: 5.4

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