$42.00
Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater Vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 23.7°Brix
Date of Harvest: End of April 2011
pH of Wine: 3.63
T.A of Wine: 5.7g/L
The Brightwater Vineyard is situated 15 km 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 Syrah.
The grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness in late April and quickly transported to the winery. Grapes were then de-stemmed and inoculated with yeast for fermentation on skins. Fermentation continued for nearly three weeks with the ferment being plunged two or three times daily depending on the stage of fermentation. Following ferment, the young wine was transferred to a mixture of new and one year old French barriques where it stayed for 18 months while undergoing malolactic fermentation and barrel maturation.
The 2011 Syrah is drinking beautifully and displays brambly berry fruits and floral characters. The Syrah carries the trademark cool climate white pepper hints on the nose and palate which compliment the ripe blackcurrant notes. Smooth velvet oak tannins and spice wrap around the wine and help define the lengthy finish.