Syrahs Like Nowhere Else by Joe Czerwinski
Great article about the exciting developments in New Zealand Syrah.
The Man O’War Vineyards Dreadnought 2008 is indeed a stunner. I started importing these wonderful wines into the UK market back in September and they have been really well received. If anyone wants any further information regarding availability in the UK check out my site http://www.stokesfinewines.com
Story update: According to a NZ Web site, Allan Limmer has just sold his Stonecroft Winery: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/3396628/Syrah-pioneer-sells-up-to-concentrate-on-motor-racing
Not only does Limmer deserve a lot of credit for resuscitating Syrah in New Zealand, his GewГјrztraminer is a terrific wine. I hope that the new owners will continue to pursue the high quality standards that Limmer set.
Joe, I’m pleased that you have made the observations on NZ Syrah. We have grown it in Martinborough for 24 years. Just a small planting in 1986 of 3 acres. But the wines did exceptionally well in competitions and sold out very rapidly, so we sold the original 3 acre block to Kusada, and planted 10 acres of Syrah at our Blue Rock site. The wines have been a revalation; while I’m in Martinborough because of Pinot Noir, Syrah is certainly challenging my loyalties. For anyone interested our USA importer is Northwest Wines in San Fransisco. And, for those interested in a bit of history, I believe our original vintage in 1996 was the first 100% Syrah bottling in Martinborough. We are Murdoch James Estate (www.murdochjames.co.nz) Regards, Roger
