Made from beautifully ripe Syrah from multiple clones, this wine saw 100% whole-bunch fermentation with gentle foot-stomping and a restrained approach to extraction. Aged in large format oak for an 11-month elevage, this wine displays both an intensely perfumed bouquet and a hedonistic black fruit profile, with subtle yet lingering spice on the palate. Medium bodied, this wine is beautiful both in its undeniable varietal purity and in its ability to effortlessly convey a sense of time and place. Will reward careful cellaring well into the future.
Blackcurrant – Black Cherry – Graphite – Smoked Paprika – Blueberry – Cola
--------THE PRODUCER--------
144 Islands
144 Islands is dedicated to the production of quality single-vineyard wines from our home estate in the Bay of Islands, as well as specially selected sites throughout the Far North of New Zealand. We place emphasis on producing wines that convey a point of time and place, honouring the rich history of our region, the birthplace of our nation.
--------THE GRAPE--------
Syrah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo
A European dance - France, Italy and Spain in step, for once.
--------THE REGION--------
Northland
Its northern location and close proximity to the sea give the Northland region an almost subtropical climate – humid, sunny and warm.
Warm spring temperatures, hot dry summers, and calm, clear autumn days allow fruit to ripen early, creating full-bodied and rich wines.
The first vines in New Zealand were planted in the Bay of Islands by the missionary, Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1819.
In the late 1800s, the Croatian gumdiggers arrived bringing their European tradition of winemaking.
The region's tropical Chardonnays, popular Pinot Gris and vibrant Viogniers are leading the white wine growth. Red wines produced include spicy Syrahs, stylish Cabernet and Merlot blends, peppery Pinotages and complex Chambourcin.
