Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2023
From a winery and winemaker that has a great track record with Syrah. As befitting the outstanding 2020 vintage the Church Road McDonald Series Syrah is all class.
Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"A core of dark plum and berry fruit is overlaid with classic Hawkes Bay Syrah perfume of violets, exotic warm spice and cracked black pepper, supported by subtle oak toast. On the palate the wine is full bodied but fine textured with a gentle tannin structure a balanced acidity bring length and freshness. Well matched to a wide range of full flavoured game and red meat dishes."
95/100 International Wine Challenge 2023, Judges Comment (2020 Vintage)
"Juicy blueberries, raspberries with a hint of pepper. Balanced mid-palate with integrated alcohol. Long structured lush finish."
4 ½ Stars, Best Buy & Top 10, Cuisine NZ Syrah Tasting, June 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"Medium coloured with just a hint of fade, this is an understated style with lovely complexity. Ripe fruit with pepper spice, mocha and toasty oak that has been well handled and integrated is evident on the nose and palate. Fruit and tannin are beautifully balanced."
4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"Already enjoyable, the 2020 vintage is full-coloured, with a fragrant, spicy bouquet. Mouthfilling, it has generous plum and black pepper flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, excellent complexity and harmony, and ripe, supple tannins. Best drinking 2024+."