Estate-grown in the Bullnose and Isosceles vineyards, in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and the Hotspur vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, this classy Hawke's Bay red is hand-picked and matured for 15 to 16 months in French oak barriques (partly new.) Unlike its Estate Vineyards stablemate (below), it is not blended with Viognier, and the vines for the Bullnose label are cropped lower. The very graceful 2020 vintage (5*) is a great Bullnose. Dark and highly perfumed, it is full-bodied, with very youthful, beautifully ripe blackcurrant, plum and black pepper flavours, showing impressive freshness and density, a backbone of supple, fine-grained tannins, and a finely poised, long finish. Best drinking 2025+.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2020
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $75 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Super Classic.
When to drink: 2025
Past Vintages:
Vintage: 2018; Winemaker’s Rating: 6/7; When to Drink: 20 – 24
Vintage: 2016; Winemaker’s Rating: 6/7; When to Drink: 20 – 24
Vintage: 2015; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 25
Vintage: 2014; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 24
Vintage: 2013; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 23
Vintage: 2012; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 21
Vintage: 2011; Winemaker’s Rating: 6/7; When to Drink: P – P
Vintage: 2010; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: P – P
Notes: WR provided by wineries. P = Peaked.
Reviewed June 2022