2020 Smith and Sheth Heretaunga Syrah
Grape
Syrah
Its Origins
Smith and Sheth ‘CRU’ is the wine brand of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth who together have formed Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates. This is the return of Steve Smith, who is best known for his establishing of Craggy Range with the Peabody family and his role as chief viticulturist for the Villa Maria Estates group before that. Steve has teamed up with Brian Sheth, one of the founders of Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investment firm. Among other business and interests, Brian is also the chairman of Global Wildlife Conservation. Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine originally aimed to have wine from great parcels from exceptional vineyards, but has grown to purchase unique and individual winegrowing operations, starting with Pyramid Valley in North Canterbury and Lowburn Ferry in Central Otago. The company also has a 5 ha vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay with Chardonnay and Syrah, awaiting its first yield. Michael Henley, formerly of Craggy Range and Trinity Hill is the CEO, and the company works closely with several viticulturalists. The wines are made from the highest quality fruit selected from special sites. Steve personally makes the wines at friends’ winery facilities.
What The Critics Say
96/100 Bob Campbell MW
"Dense, ripe, complex syrah with cassis, blackcurrant, plum, liquorice, black pepper and spicy oak flavours. Surprisingly accessible for such a youthful and concentrated wine, although I have no doubt that the wine will develop well with bottle age. 01 SEP 2022." Drink 2022 - 2035
96/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim (2019 vintage)
"Offering brilliant fruit purity with gorgeous complexity, the wine shows dark berry, floral, vanilla, subtle spice and roasted almond characters. It's concentrated and flowing on the palate, displaying deliciously ripe fruit flavours together with refined mouthfeel and seamlessly woven tannins. Poised and harmonious with excellent structure, ensuring its gradual evolvement. From the Gimblett Gravels. At its best: 2025 to 2039. $40.00. www.smithandsheth.com. March 2021."
95/100 Cameron Douglas Master Sommelier (2019 vintage)
"Intensely varietal and fruity with a core of ripe raspberry and red currant fruit then white peppercorn scents, no mistaking the layer of fresh toasty new oak with baking spices, bacon and toasty barrel aromas. Complex with a stony mineral layer and inviting bouquet. On the palate - firm, tense, youthful with a core of fruit and oak tension, flavours of dark berries, raspberry and plum, there’s a spicy toasty, an aged meat layer and salty peppercorn. Firm tannins and acidity remind me this is a youthful example and not yet ready. Long finish, persistent and fresh. Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030."
| Variety | Shiraz / Syrah |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2022 - 2035 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
