Cambridge Road
Estate Syrah 2022 750ml

Production | 1174 bottles, Vine Age | 3-36 years, Elevage | 10 months in neutral oak, Composition | 88% Syrah 12% Marsanne, Alcohol | 13.5%, Sulphite content | 17ppm

Syrah marks a new phase in the Cambridge Road Home Block story. In 2022 we took small quantities of fruit from younger vines that encompass more diverse Syrah Genetics and also a significant gift of white fruit in the form of Marsanne. The Syrah Marsanne blend is uncommon in NZ but finds its traditions in some of the most noble vineyards of the Northern Rhone valley. The intention with including white fruit is to further elevate freshness and florals in the finished wine. I truly believe our climate here in Martinborough is cool enough to legitimately warrant the inclusion of white fruit along the lines of connection we share with the coolest end of the Rhone Valley.

This wine exhibits power and energy but it avoids heaviness, the wine is lithe and full of aromatics spun around a vibrant core of fresh acidity and modest alcohol. Dark black fruit aromas mixed with typical pepper spice and and underlying nerve of anise, just a touch of umami development perhaps less than recent predecessors, that will come with age as this wine is young but beautiful. Expect it to develop beautifully over the next 2 decades.