The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from officially one of the warmest summers on record. This provided red varietals superb conditions for ripening. Although harvest commenced early in March with immediate pressure from rain, the majority of the later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies. Fruit grown on stony free-draining sites maintained a healthy condition and following the earlier harvest rain had the opportunity to concentrate in flavor prior to harvest.

Villa Maria’s Reserve Syrah vineyards are located in the Gimblett Gravels of Hawkes Bay. The free-draining soils, warm daytime temperatures and cool nights encourage naturally devigourated vines to ripen their low yields slowly and evenly. These factors, along with well-timed vineyard management techniques ensure the resulting wines are deeply colored and well structured, with pure aromatics and flavors classic to the variety.

This stunning Syrah is a blend of two parcels from our premium vineyards in Hawkes Bay’s Gimblett Gravels. 2018 delivered wonderfully fragrant and intense Syrah wines. Dense purple hues lead to a perfumed nose of boysenberry, spice and violets. Ripe tannins encase concentrated fruit characters on a long and silky palate. Careful cellaring of up to 10+ years will reward with further complexity.