Hill Country Estate Syrah 2023 delivers a fragrant Hawke’s Bay red that showcases the estate’s high-elevation limestone vineyard on the Havelock Hills. Medium ruby-red in the glass, it opens with lifted aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, violet, fresh herbs, peppercorn and subtle cedar.

On the palate, this medium-bodied Syrah offers juicy black fruit layered with spice notes of nutmeg, clove and pepper, supported by fine, firm tannins and mouth-watering acidity. The wine’s structure and lightly grippy texture carry through to a tight, dark-fruited and spiced finish that lingers elegantly.​

Vines from MS, Limmer and 470 clones—planted in 2002 and 2006—thrive in the mineral-rich limestone soils overlooking Hastings, yielding concentrated fruit with thin skins and bright colour. Hand-picked grapes undergo warm fermentation, malolactic on skins, four weeks of post-ferment maceration, then 15 months in French oak barriques to build depth and refinement.

This Syrah shines with grilled steak, lamb roast or ribs, where its spice and fruit balance rich savoury flavours. Rated 17.5/20 (88 points) by Raymond Chan, it’s a drink-now red that will evolve over the next three years. Every bottle also supports Cape Sanctuary’s wildlife restoration efforts.