This wine is a perfect example of Trinity Hill, the master of Syrah, really showing off their skills.

This is a Syrah from the Hawke's Bay series, the "White Label" which is the basic line of Trinity Hill.

The vineyard is located in the special area of Hawke's Bay, "Gimlet Gravels." Gimlet Gravels is a gravel layer 100 meters deep that spreads over what was once a riverbed. It is a rare wine-producing region in the world that is defined by its soil . The extremely poor soil and good drainage are known for producing concentrated fruit, and currently 22 wineries own vineyards in this area.

Trinity Hill was one of the earliest producers to plant grapes in the Gimlet Gravels and is a leading winery in the region.

When we visited the vineyard, Warren Gibson, who has been making wine here for nearly 30 years, said:

"The drainage is so good that we only irrigate a little bit so the grapes don't die. The grapes here grow their roots desperately with just a little water. That's why the fruit is so strong ."

He then told us that this stony land is further divided into smaller plots, and that the plots that are best suited for Syrah are carefully selected for cultivation .

Warren urged me to try some Syrah, so I picked some from the bunch and took a bite. I visited in late February, so the harvest was still a month away. Still, it was delicious with plenty of sweetness. The skin was thick and juicy, with a hint of spice.

"How about this? Probably perfect again this year ."

The words of a craftsman who has been working with this land for many years carried weight.

About the brewing

The 2022 vintage was harvested from late March to early April. It was carefully harvested in multiple plots, each of which was destemmed and fermented separately . During fermentation, gentle pump-overs were used to control skin contact, bringing out a soft and complex structure . After fermentation, the grapes were left to soak for a long time with the skins, allowing the tannins to naturally blend, resulting in a supple and elegant mouthfeel .

The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels (both small and large) . All of the barrels are used, bringing out the purity of the fruit and the nuances of spice while avoiding excessive oak aromas.

Tasting notes

Now, let's try tasting it...

When first poured into a glass, the color is dark and intense, a deep dark cherry red, but when you hold it up against a piece of white paper, you can see a slight lightness around the edges.

The aroma is layered with violet-like floral notes, as well as blackberry, raspberry, licorice, and black pepper . In the mouth, the supple tannins and crisp acidity give the wine a core. The toasty oak-derived nuances blend in gently. The aftertaste is long and pleasant, with fine tannins and a spicy feel.

"Powerful yet elegant." I think this wine can be said to be a model for Syrah from a cool climate.

When young, it has aromatic and fruity freshness, but with a few years of aging it will become more rounded and complex.

5 Recommended Pairings

• Spiced grilled lamb chops (rosemary & thyme) → The juiciness and spices of the meat harmonize with the fruitiness and spice of the wine.
• Venison stewed in red wine → The structure of the wine complements the wild flavor of the game perfectly.
• Beef tendon stew with black pepper → The spiciness of the pepper complements the wine perfectly.
• Lasagna with grilled eggplant and minced lamb → The flavors of the vegetables, meat, and tomatoes match well with the acidity of the wine.
• Braised pork shoulder with star anise (Chinese-style spices) → The spice of Syrah is combined with an oriental aroma.

In particular, if you keep in mind the importance of "sneaking a hint of spice into the dish," I think it will result in a very satisfying pairing.

We encourage you to try the charms of New Zealand's unique cool Syrah with some delicious meat dishes.

About the Winery "Trinity Hill"

Trinity Hill is a winery in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. It is a pioneer in the region, having been the first to discover the potential of the Gimlet Gravels, a former riverbed with gravel soil. They specialize in Bordeaux blends and Syrah.

About Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is located in the eastern part of the North Island and is characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, and boasts the second largest grape-growing area in Australia.

Hawke's Bay specializes in producing red wines, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, while fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

The Gimlet Gravels, an area created when an earthquake pushed up what was originally a riverbed, is one of Hawke's Bay's important sub-regions.

Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Syrah 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Trinity Hill
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay
kinds	red
Grape variety	Syrah
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	12.5%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap