Te Mata "Bullnose" Syrah - 2020

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke’s Bay vineyards, and to many they’re considered to be New Zealand’s greatest winery, some would even say New Zealand’s First Growth. This wine is another stunning example from this label, sourced from the oldest Syrah vines in Hawke’s Bay. A complex bouquet of black plum, brambly fruits, violets, and toasted almond get us very excited for a refined yet undeniably powerful palate that continues to develop these flavors, and gives us fresh dark fruit, black tea, cola and exotic spices, framed by delicious acidity and polished, silky tannins. I simply had to pair with heavily-rosemaried lamb chops (this is New Zealand after all), potato croquette, and a balsamic-roasted black grape compote.