Product Description:
An icon of Hawke’s Bay Syrah with a lineage as deep as the estate itself. Te Mata Estate’s Bullnose Syrah is drawn from the historic Bullnose, Hotspur and Isosceles vineyards, hand-harvested and vinified with traditional methods that preserve both depth and finesse. Established in 1896 and still family-owned, Te Mata has become one of New Zealand’s most respected wine estates, known for crafting benchmark expressions from its Hawke’s Bay vineyards.
The Bullnose name pays tribute to the early Morris Cowley motorcar, with the distinctive radiator crest inspiring the emblem that now graces the label. After separate fermentations and extended skin contact, the wine spent 14 months in a mix of new and seasoned French oak before blending and bottling. This meticulous approach delivers a Syrah of striking precision and balance, with the capacity to evolve beautifully in bottle over 15 years.
The Maker
Te Mata Estate, established in 1896, is one of New Zealand's oldest and most respected wineries, with a history that stretches over a century. Located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, the estate has earned international recognition for producing high-quality, world-class wines. Under the leadership of the Buck and Morris families, Te Mata Estate has expanded its reach while staying true to its roots, focusing on sustainable viticulture and the careful craftsmanship of wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of their vineyards. With a commitment to excellence, Te Mata Estate continues to produce iconic wines such as Alma Pinot Noir, a flagship wine that highlights the estate’s mastery in crafting complex, refined, and terroir-driven Pinot Noir.
Philosophy
At Te Mata Estate, the philosophy is grounded in the belief that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. The estate is home to some of the oldest vineyards in New Zealand, planted with classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir and Syrah. The terroir of Hawke’s Bay, with its combination of fertile soils, mild climate, and ample sunshine, provides the perfect environment for growing grapes with character and complexity. Organic farming principles are key to maintaining the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that every bottle of Te Mata wine reflects the purity and richness of the land.
The estate consists of 24 hectares of vineyard blocks across several sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay, with a careful selection of vine varieties that best express the diverse soil types and microclimates. Te Mata Estate practices responsible viticulture, including green harvesting, low-intervention winemaking, and sustainable farming techniques. This hands-on approach is led by a team with over 40 years of combined experience in viticulture, ensuring that every vintage is crafted with the utmost care and precision. Te Mata Estate’s wines are a reflection of the unique conditions of the land, allowing each bottle to showcase the perfect balance of power and elegance, with a distinctive sense of place.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Perfumed lift
Raspberry, black cherry and dried strawberry layered with lilac, pepper and liquorice.
PALATE
– Silken depth
Medium-bodied with ripe fruit, taut structure and savoury threads of spice, graphite and beef stock.
FINISH
– Length and grace
Velvety tannins, coffee bean and violet carrying through a long, mineral-edged close.
Reviews & Accolades
Pretty, floral, red and black fruit, a sneaky grid of pepper, dried roses and violet. Medium-bodied, concentrated, a little liquorice and spice, nutty, dense and clenched, very graphite and ‘mineral’ character, beef stock and meaty flavours too, and a long finish packed with silty tannin, coffee bean and violet. Beautiful Syrah here. All just so. – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 95 Points, 2020
Finer Details:
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - New Zealand
Region - Hawke’s Bay
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
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