Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Syrah Viognier 2017

Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Syrah Viognier is a mature, savoury Waiheke red that still carries plenty of fruit and freshness. Plum, dried raspberry and red berries are layered with violet, dried herbs, cigar box, baking spice and black pepper. The palate is creamy and richly textured, with concentrated fruit, lively acidity and firm tannins leading into an elegant, savoury finish. Syrah provides the wine's depth and structure, while Viognier adds an aromatic lift. It is drinking beautifully now and makes a fine match for slow-roasted lamb, duck and pork terrine or truffle and parmesan roast potatoes.

What the winery says:

The berries were gently split to increase skin contact, with some whole clusters retained before a cold soak. The fruit was gradually warmed and fermented in small stainless-steel vessels using indigenous and selected yeasts and bacteria. Manual punch-downs and air pulses were used during fermentation before the wine was gently pressed in a vertical basket press and matured in selected French oak barrels. It was bottled under screwcap without filtration or fining. The finished wine has 13.5% alcohol, less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar and the structure to continue developing in the cellar.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 93/100 (2017)
“Rich and lifted aromas of plum, dried raspberry, violet, medicinal herbs and cigar box.”

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93/100 (2017)