2021 Millton Clos de Ste Anne Syrah
Grape
Syrah and sometimes a touch of Viognier
Its Origins
The first biodynamic estate in New Zealand (and the first in the Southern Hemisphere to gain Demeter certification), James and Annie Millton have been growing wine in Manutuke on the banks of the Te Arai river in Gisborne since 1984. Farmed from inception in this manner, it was built on the backbone of family winegrowing in the area, with both James and Annie's parents having vines in what is now known as "Opou" and "Riverpoint". The Clos de Ste. Anne is a single vineyard situated on steep north-facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The grapes are all hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts present in the vineyard. The estate is mostly known for their Chenin Blanc - a benchmark for the country - but they also grow wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
What The Critics Say
Winemaker notes on current vintage
Purple-hued and luminous, white pepper enhances the beautiful ripeness with violets, leather and broken earth adding to the aroma. Black as thunder and sweet as a teenage kiss. The palate is forward, with rich full flavours followed by a silken acidity with elegant tannin. The texture is sensual. As black as thunder and sweet as a teenage kiss. The acidity is silken and flows on a current of tantalising dark fruit. Clos de Ste. Anne is a single vineyard situated on steep northeast facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The Syrah is grown in a little bowl high up in the slopes of this estate. Protected on all sides by the topography, it faces directly into the north west and is best described as The Crucible. Notes from the Vigneron: Hand harvested grapes were chilled prior to destemming and then gently placed in small 1000 litre wooden “cuves” for the fermentation. Allowed to warm the natural fermentation then started on its’ own accord and each 8 hours the skins were pushed into the seething mass of fermenting juices. Purple-hued and a complex luminosity, the white pepper enhances the beautiful ripeness with violets, writers ink and dark chocolate adding to the aroma."
96/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2020 vintage)
"Distinctive and complex, a core of dark red fruits scents layered between aromas of rocks and baked clay earthy qualities, spices of barrel then a dark violet lift. Taut, youthful and very new tasting, dry and complex with firm tannins and back bone of acidity touch the palate just before the core of black berry fruits and bakesd raspberry, some black currant and lots of spice and earthy qualities. The long finish highlights an aged smoky meat quality, a delicious wine that will continue to develop complexities with best drinking from 2024 through 2034."
Variety | Syrah |
---|---|
Region | Gisborne |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750 ml |
Maturity | 2023 - 2033 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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