Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2015
Trade Tools
New Zealand
Gimblett Gravels Vineyard’s stony soils keep the growth and cropping of the old clone Syrah vines in check and provide warmth in the autumn, both critical factors in developing the enormous character and presence of the wine. The grapes were hand harvested and destemmed before undergoing fermentation in open-top oak vessels and stainless steel tanks. The wine spent 18 months maturing in 32% new French oak barrels.
Harvest Note
The third of three consecutive exceptional vintages. After two great years in 2013 and 2014, the 2015 season started with a cool spring where the vines had to be protected from late night frosts. Combined with persistent North West winds the flowering for Merlot was delayed, but proceeded under ideal sunny dry conditions throughout the summer. Despite generally cool temperatures throughout the summer, there was a warm, dry spell that helped shift ripening back toward normal harvest dates. The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard fruit was harvested 10 days later than normal, but yielded exceptional quality especially in our Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Tasting Note
Deepest red with vibrant purple hue. Brooding aromatics of dried dark rose, violets, blackberry and a lift of sandalwood; characteristic of the red wines from the Gimblett Gravels. Power and elegance jostle across the palate. Classic fine grained tannins vitalize the rich fruit core and carry the wine long for an elegant, dry and sophisticated finish. Quintessential cool-climate Syrah.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Hawkes Bay
PH: 3.76
ACIDITY: 5.7 g/L
ABV: 13.7%
AGING: Matured for 17 months in closed top French oak cuves
Unique Selling Points
- An especially vibrant Syrah from Gimblett Gravel Vineyard's ideally-matched terroir
- Matured in oak barriques for 16 months
I am fortunate to lead an extraordinary group of people who want to be part of creating something truly magnificent that successive generations can admire and enjoy for years to come. I love our great estates and feel a strong connection to their complexities and subtleties.
Julian Grounds, Winemaker
About the Grape
Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
