Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah 2022

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "Plush and exquisite at once, this engaging syrah shows dark fruit richness, clove, floral and assorted nut aromas on the nose with a hint of dried herbs, leading to superbly weighted palate offering splendid fruit purity with sensual complexity, gorgeously framed by velvety texture and beautifully melded tannins. This is weighty, robust and sophisticated with gorgeous harmony, finishing refined and immensely satisfying."

Michael Cooper writes "This consistently classy red is estate-grown and hand-picked in the Bullnose and Isosceles vineyards, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and the Hotspur vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels. It is typically matured for 14-16 months in French oak barriques (partly new). The refined 2022 vintage (4.5*) has bright, full but not dense colour. Still very youthful, it is medium to full-bodied, floral and supple, with a strong surge of vibrant, plummy, spicy flavours, oak-derived complexity, and obvious potential. A very graceful red, slightly lighter than in some past vintages, it should be at its best 2026+."

The winery writes "Displaying Bullnose’s classic vibrant, purple-edged magenta colour. This has perfume, plush berry fruit and underlying power. That signature Bullnose ‘nose’ displays dianthus and freesia aromas with fresh raspberry, black cherry, and cola throughout. The front palate’s rich and soft entry is loaded with those same ripe, concentrated fruit notes with superfine tannins and a refreshing fine finish. Bullnose Syrah ’22 delivers classical elements alongside a modern level of detail, power, refinement, and restraint."