MISCHIEF SYRAH 2025

Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show – North Canterbury Wine Competition 2026
Gold Medal – North Canterbury Wine Competition 2026

Last Saturday we hosted a tasting showcasing the winners of the 2026 North Canterbury Wine Competition, including this outstanding little Syrah that took home the ultimate prize, Champion Wine of the Show! Syrah is still something of a rarity in North Canterbury, but as our growing seasons become warmer, the variety is showing some very exciting potential. Behind Mischief are Adam and Anna Bennett, a small Waipara producer with a refreshingly unpretentious approach to wine. Their philosophy is simple: make delicious wines people genuinely want to drink. And judging by this effort, they're certainly doing something right! At $29.99, this is a fantastic opportunity to discover one of North Canterbury's rising stars.

This is unmistakably cool climate Syrah, with all the fragrance, freshness and spice that makes the style so appealing. Dark plum and blackberry fruit mingle with cracked black pepper, savoury spice and a touch of dark chocolate. There's lovely richness on the palate, with velvety tannins and a long, beautifully balanced finish. A terrific contrast to Barossa Shiraz, and proof that North Canterbury has plenty more tricks up its sleeve!

Winery notes (2025 Vintage)
"Exuding big wine energy!  Dark fruits of plums and black berries, coupled with pepper, spice and dark choc notes. Rich velvet tannins round out and compliment the long finish."