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91 Points - Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout NZ, August 2020
90 Points - Bob Campbell MW, © The Real Review, therealreview.com
Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater Vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 23.8˚ Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid April 2018
pH of Wine: 3.68
T.A of Wine: 5.7g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
Our Brightwater vineyard is situated 15km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond ranges. The ‘soil’ is a combination of rocks and boulders, which is very hard on the farm equipment, but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening.
The Brightwater Syrah vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps us to restrict the plants vigour and to crop at low levels. To further enhance the aromatics we removed leaves to allow light penetration and air movement around the fruiting zone.
The grapes were hand harvested at the peak of ripeness in mid April and quickly transported to the winery. Grapes were then de-stemmed and inoculated with yeast for fermentation on skins. Fermentation continued for two weeks with the ferment being plunged twice daily throughout this period. Following ferment, the young wine was transferred to a mixture of new, one and two year old French barriques where it stayed for thirteen months while undergoing malolactic fermentation and barrel maturation.
The 2018 Aotea by the Seifried family Syrah was blended from a small parcel of hand picked fruit from our Brightwater Vineyard. This parcel was fermented separately and had an extended period in oak barriques.
The wine is rich, warm and opulent showing supple dark berry flavours complemented with warm cinnamon and hints of freshly cracked pepper. Layers of ripe flavours linger on the palate and leave a lasting impression.
“Really appealing bouquet of Syrah with aromas of earth and stone, dark berries and vanilla, pepper and a savoury seam. Youthful, crisp and fresh on the palate with a grip of salivating acidity and tannin that give way to fruit and pepper, toasty wood spice and black currant. Well made... ”
91 Points - Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout NZ, August 2020
“Quite a floral and slightly edgy syrah with violet, fresh herb, pepper (white and black), cherry and plum flavours. A supple, elegant wine with subtle power and a silken texture.”
90 Points - Bob Campbell MW, © The Real Review, therealreview.com