Trophy for Champion Overall Syrah – International Wine Challenge 2023
Trophy for Champion NZ Syrah – International Wine Challenge 2023
Trophy for Champion NZ Red – International Wine Challenge 2023
Trophy for Champion Syrah – National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022
Trophy for Champion Syrah – New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 2023
Trophy for Champion Other Red – Marlborough Wine Show 2022
Gold Medal – New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 2023
Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2023
Gold Medal – Marlborough Wine Show 2022
Double Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2023
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Established in 1991, Clayvin Vineyard is a north facing hillside vineyard, the vineyard planting is high density. This density creates natural competition among the vines, reducing vigour, promoting root structure and intensity of flavour. It also means that the vineyard only produces ‘one bottle of Clayvin Syrah per vine’.
On the nose our Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah has beautiful, bright, aromatic fruit aromas of blueberry and plum which meld with violet, cinnamon and nutmeg unlined with an aniseed influence. Its powerful palate is full of texture and concentration with a lingering savoury finish."
5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"A compelling rendition of the variety, showing Black Doris plum, sweet cherry, violet, clove and cedar characters on the nose, leading to a gracefully rich palate exhibiting outstanding weight and depth, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and finely infused tannins. Substantial yet seamless and poised with a prolonged structured finish. At its best: 2025 to 2038."
96/100 IWC Judges Comments (2021 Vintage)
"Long floral aromatics with some black pepper and spice as well as fleshy texture. Shows lovely balance and focus- cool climate Syrah at it's best."
5 Stars Yvonne Lorkin, December 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"This is one of those young red wines that tastes great on the first pour but tastes amazing the next day. Erupting with dark berries on the nose, blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry notes, alongside a vein of pepper and dark cocoa and smoky oak, this organically-grown wine is a delight. In the mouth, it’s a colossus of cool, calm and collected flavour. Dried herbs, ripe blackcurrant and spice work alongside firm yet dusty tannins, mouthwatering freshness leading to a creamy, complex finish. Delicious drinking now, but if you have the discipline to wait, it’ll be even more of a mouthquake in 2029."
Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Black currant and black berry, some dark bitter chocolate scents then a peppery smoky barrel spice quality and dried herb. Taut, vibrant and youthful on the palate with flavours of textures from firm tannins and back bone of acidity, tempered by core red fruit flavours and spices of variety and oak. A young wine with plenty of ageing potential still, but also drinkable today. Best from late 2023 through 2030."
94/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, November 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Fragrant, ripe and intense syrah with dense plum, dark berry and pepper/spice flavours. Youthful wine with firm tannins that is impressive now but shows obvious cellaring potential."
94/100 David Walker Bell, winefolio.co.nz, January 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"A single vineyard selection from one of Marlborough’s best-regarded sites, and winner of the Champion Syrah at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa this year. A deep dark ruby colour in the glass, with a complex nose saturated with black cherry, damson, smoked salami, pepper, blueberry, mocha and violet florals. Concentrated, taut and bright – showing a zing of juciy acidity over the spine of fine tannin and abundant spiced, toasty oak. Lovely flow to the mid-palate, with those red fruit notes framed with a wisp of baking spice, liquorice and savoury peat and tapenade elements. A focussed, precise and persistent finish."