Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2009

The grapes for this distinguished single-vineyard wine were grown in our highly acclaimed Mere Road Vineyard in the renowned Gimblett Gravels of Hawkes Bay. Hand-picked on 24th of April at 22.6° Brix, the grapes were destemmed and cold soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation using indigenous yeast in 96% new French Integrale barrels, rotated twice daily. To follow, a 9-day post-ferment maceration on skins was undertaken and the wine aged in barrel for 16 months, with bottling under screwcap on the 17th of September 2010. This rich full-bodied red yields intense and lingering boysenberry and blackberry fruits laced with spice, dark chocolate, mocha and cigar box notes. The palate is deliciously supple and silky, complemented with fine cedary oak and a lingering finish. Already highly enjoyable, it will continue to develop and reward cellaring.