2021 Te Mata Bullnose Syrah

When commentators talk of the potential of NZ Syrah to eventually outshine Pinot Noir, it is the quality of wines such as the Te Mata Bullnose that they are talking about.

This has a wow factor, as in 'wow, didn't know NZ Syrah could be that deep, darkly-flavoursome and powerful'. We associate them with cool climate pepper and spice, and the Bullnose has trowel-fuls of exotic spices and delicate florals.

The palate is rich and velvety without excessive weight, all supple and lithe. It's a structured, graceful, wonderful wine.

99 points
"Expressing precision and purity, combined with brooding strength and complexity, this is spectacular and breathtaking."
- Sam Kim (Wine Orbit)

 95+ points
"Gee, it really pops. Medium-bodied, bright and fresh, lots of energy... A terrific expression of HB Syrah."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

96 points
"A powerful, concentrated and tensioned wine with bright acidity and firm but measured tannins that lead into a very long finish. Great potential here."
- Huon Hooke MW (The Real Review)

96 points
"Linear and very racy. Terrific integration and structure. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years."
- James Suckling