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Te Mata Bullnose Syrah is a premium New Zealand Syrah from Hawke’s Bay’s acclaimed Bridge Pa Triangle. This estate-grown wine is an aromatic powerhouse, frequently drawing comparisons to the great wines of the Northern Rhône. The wine has intense black cherry and raspberry flavours with velvety tannins and 14 months of French oak ageing.
This Hawke’s Bay Syrah is sourced from three estate vineyards: Bullnose, Hotspur, and Isosceles. Located in Hawke’s Bay’s Bridge Pa Triangle, these sites benefit from the region’s hottest summer temperatures and free-draining sandy loam soils over gravel—ideal conditions for ripening Syrah.
The soul of this wine lies in the 15-hectare Bullnose Vineyard, planted in 1990. This site is famous for its “old red iron” soils—iron-rich gravels over a sandy loam base. These free-draining soils stress the vines just enough to produce small, concentrated berries with thick, phenolic-rich skins, resulting in a wine with incredible depth and a signature peppery lift. The vineyard is also home to winemaker Peter Cowley and his family.
Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate is a family-owned winery in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, crafting small batches of internationally acclaimed wines in the country’s oldest wine cellar. Originating from Te Mata Station, founded by English immigrant John Chambers in 1854, the estate’s wine legacy began with Bernard Chambers’ vision, planting vines on three hillsides that, by 1909, formed New Zealand’s largest vineyard.
Today, Te Mata Estate continues to produce its renowned Coleraine, Awatea, and Elston wines from those original vineyards. Acquired by the Buck and Morris families in 1978, the estate has seen significant investment, solidifying its reputation for excellence.
From Te Mata:
Brilliant amethyst with a deep black core, Bullnose Syrah glimmers with raspberry, ripe black cherry, and dried strawberry over lush velvet tannins. There are grace notes of black pepper, chocolate, liquorice, lilac, even char and baking spices, with the structure and elegance contributing to undeniable ageing potential. Ripe-fruited. Taut. Silky. Bullnose Syrah is utter class. A black velvet beauty.
The Classic Match: Herb-crusted rack of lamb with a red wine reduction.
Game: Pan-seared venison loin served with a blackberry and balsamic jus.
Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil and aged Parmesan.
Cheese: Works beautifully with hard, nutty cheeses like a 36-month aged Comté.
Why Is It Called Te Mata Bullnose Syrah?
Vineyard partners Michael Morris and Peter Cowley named Bullnose after an early Morris Cowley car, nicknamed Bullnose due to its distinctive radiator. The bull emblem that appears on the label is drawn from the car’s radiator crest.
Is Syrah the same grape as Shiraz?
Yes. Syrah is the French name. It is often used for wines in Australia and NZ that are stylistically reminiscent of French wines.
How long can this wine be cellared for?
Approachable now due to its velvety tannins, this Syrah has the structure to age gracefully for 12–15 years.
At what temperature should I serve this wine?
Best served slightly cool at 16-18°C.
Does this wine require decanting?
No, but it is advised. Decant at least 1 hour before serving.
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