Matua, Single Vineyard Matheson Syrah, Hawke's Bay, 2013

The success of this organic wine is as much about Matua’s fairly recent decision to produce top, single-vineyard wines as it is about vineyard site and a stellar vintage. Talented winemaker Nikolai St George chose the vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle district of Hawke’s Bay because the soils are heavier than in other areas of the region so, in a dry year, they stay cool and stop the vine from struggling. This is the only one of the five Outstanding wines that was co-fermented with a ‘handful’ of Viognier grapes. No sulphur dioxide was added until 10 months after harvest – St George preferred to use biological control instead.   Melanie Brown<br /> Generous palate fuelled with savoury nuances, pretty violet aromatics and generous weight. The richness on the palate is pure and fresh, and finishes dry with good tannic structure.   Christine Parkinson<br /> Old leather and clotted cream aromas; vivid floral, blackberry, black cherry and blueberry fruit. Smooth tannins, well integrated oak and a long finish. Polished and charming.   Philip Tuck MW<br /> Iodine character and dense, concentrated fruit. Lovely swetness on the middle which will give much pleasure. Excellent and difficult. Experts Choice Seductively sweet and silken-textured Syrah with almost succulent plum and dark berry flavours, together with a seasoning of cracked black pepper, liquorice, shoe box and subtle toasty oak.