GIMBLETT GRAVELS Syrah reaffirms pedigree

GIMBLETT GRAVELS Syrah reaffirms pedigree to international wine critics

Sixteen of the world’s most influential wine critics experienced GIMBLETT GRAVELS wines and hospitality yesterday as part of their tour of New Zealand’s wine regions.

For many, the prime purpose of the visit to Hawke’s Bay was to learn more about the rising phenomena of GIMBLETT GRAVELS Syrah. Twelve 2009 and 2010 vintage Syrahs, including four benchmark international wines from France and Australia, were presented ‘blind’ (completely unidentified) for their evaluation.

Leading UK winewriter, Tim Atkin MW, an exponent of Hawke’s Bay Syrah for many years, summed up the view of the majority, observing that the overall quality of the wines was really high, and it was surprisingly hard to discern which wines were GIMBLETT GRAVELS.

The tasting also presented valuable feedback for the winemakers. Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association Chairman, Tony Bish, commented that the GIMBLETT GRAVELS wines performed extremely well in a line up including revered international wines such as Hermitage La Chapelle from the Northern Rhone. He also noted that tastings such as this provide valuable insights for the winegrowers, as well as a fantastic opportunity to showcase their wines to a set of very influential international wine media.

After the tasting, winewriters and winemakers gathered at Stonecroft Winery, home to New Zealand’s oldest Syrah vines, and enjoyed a classic kiwi barbecue of salmon and lamb, accompanied by a selection of GIMBLETT GRAVELS Chardonnay and blended reds.

ENDS

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