Woodthorpe is a 210-hectare vineyard on elevated, north-facing, river terraces in Hawkes Bay. Originally a colonial settlement, militia encampment, and staging post, it was home to the annual Woodthorpe Races between 1863 and 1914. The vineyard's ideal aspect and free-draining soils provide a unique location for quality grapes.
Woodthorpe Syrah / Viogner 2003 The co-fermentation of Syrah with small amounts of the white grape variety, Viognier, is a traditional winemaking technique in France's northern Rhone Valley. The addition of Viognier introduces a perfume/floral aroma to the soft red berry and spice flavours of Syrah.
Handpicked Syrah and a small percentage of very ripe Viognier from our Woodthorpe vineyard were destemmed and co-fermented in open top tanks. Following a traditional warm, hand-plunged ferment, it was given extended maceration on skins before pressing. The resulting wine was run off to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for 15 months maturation during which time it was topped and racked before a traditional egg-white fining and bottling in August 2003.
Woodthorpe Syrah/Viognier 2002 is a dark ruby colour with aromas of orange zest, raspberry and cracked white pepper. The palate has lovely plum, spice and musk flavours, firm tannins and a long finish. Woodthorpe Syrah/Viognier 2002 will continue to develop in bottle for 4 - 6 years from harvest.
