Grape

Syrah

Its Origins

Squawking Magpie Owner and Director Gavin Yortt planted the main Woodland’s vineyard in 1995, with further holdings in 2002 extending the focus on Hawkes Bay classic grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. They are members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and maintain a strong focus on cellaring wines and a quality-driven (rather than brand-driven) market strategy, which begins with rigorous vineyard management. Though not shouting from every shelf, on quality-for-value Squawking Magpie wines are often among the best Hawkes Bay has to offer.

What The Critics Say

94/100 Cameron Douglas MS

"Intensely fruity and equally varietal with aromas of black and blue fruits, baked raspberry and freshly ground dark spices. No mistaking the oak though measured and well placed. Dry on the palate with lush and ripe red fruit flavours – black cherry, dark plum, blue and black berry. Some meaty earthy and field mushroom nuances; youthful ripe tannins and plenty of acidity. Lengthy memorable finish. Drink from 2018 through 2028."

Decanter Highly Recommended

"Perfumed, elegant nose with great purity of fruit. The youthful palate shows a weight of juicy blackberries, sour plums, herbal tones and savoury, spicy oak. Firm tannins and a long finish. Drink 2015-2030."

19-/20 Raymond Chan (2014 vintage)

"Very full, even, black-hued purple-ruby colour with lighter purple on the edge. The nose is firm and tightly concentrated with aromas of ripe black berried fruits melded with dark herbs and nuances of savoury game, unfolding black pepper and violet florals. The richness of fruit and perfumes are enticing. Medium-full bodied, the palate is fulsome and rounded with a soft density, depth and concentration. The flavours are ripe and sweet, showing blackberries with florals and iron-earth minerals. This has significant extraction and structure, the soft acidity enhancing the roundness of the mouthfeel. The wine carries to a long and succulent finish with a firm line of tannin. This is a fulsome, rounded, densely packed Syrah with ripe black fruits, violet perfumes, a little game interest and a rounded palate with serious structure. 10+ years. 100% Syrah fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 16 months in 30% new French oak. 19.0-/20 Sep 2016 RRP $49.95."