Coopers Creek Chalk Ridge Syrah

This is part of Coopers Creek’s “Select Vineyard” range where they source grapes from their range of vineyards sites up and down Aotearoa. They’ve named this one Chalk Ridge as the vineyard block it comes from just south of Havelock North is covered with fossilised limestone.

And it’s no stranger to chalking up the odd gong now and again – we’ve seen previous vintages win many a Gold and the odd Trophy. This is the latest 2018 vintage that scored a solid 4 1/2 Star review with NZ critic Michael Cooper.

Coops said “This sturdy, finely structured, highly fragrant red was hand-harvested, blended with a splash of viognier (1.3%) and matured for a year in French oak casks (27% new). It has excellent concentration of plum, spice and black pepper flavours, showing good complexity, and a lasting finish. Best drinking 2022+.”

A bigger, richer style of Syrah like this will pair best with meats like lamb, beef, venison and game with rich flavours and sauces.