Astrolabe Southern Valleys Syrah 2024

Astrolabe Southern Valleys Syrah is a perfumed, finely structured cool-climate Syrah from Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley. Violet, black pepper and wood smoke lead into black plum, blueberry, blackberry and dark cherry, with liquorice and oregano adding savoury complexity. The palate is plush and juicy, yet held together by fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long, poised finish. This inaugural Syrah release from Astrolabe comes from a sheltered block at Beacon Hill Vineyard, where a warm mesoclimate helps the late-ripening variety reach full flavour. Enjoy it with venison, roast duck or smoky barbecued eggplant, or cellar it for greater roundness and complexity.

What the winery says:

The Syrah was grown by the Hammond family at Beacon Hill Vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys. The block lies beside an ancient riverbank that shelters the vines from cool winds, while its soils combine well-drained stony alluvium with older terrace loams. Fruit was hand-picked on 4 April 2024, destemmed and cold soaked for five days before wild fermentation in small open-top vats. Daily hand plunging and light pressing were followed by 10 months in French barriques and hogsheads, including 20% new oak. The wine contains 13% alcohol and less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar. It is vegetarian and certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 96/100 & Outstanding (2024 Vintage)
“Tannins deliver a firm youthful tension enhanced by the backbone of acidity and saline ideas on the finish.”

Candice Chow, 93/100 (2024 Vintage)
“A youthful, herbaceous Syrah, comprised of red and black fruit, vibrant acidity flows smoothly with velvety tannins and threads of stony minerals.”