Terrace Edge Syrah

Pete and Jill Chapman are particularly passionate about this variety, and it is easy to see why given the results. It is relatively new to the Waipara region, but it has shown itself to have immense potential. Fermentation is in small vats with indigenous yeast, and plunged by hand. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for 10-18 months. Grown on ancient Glasnevin Gravels on the Waipara River Terraces, which gives very low yields, but huge Syrah expression. A fabulously striking New Zealand Syrah that’s bursting with dark autumnal fruits, cracked pepper and aromatic spice. Briar and balsam bring further complexity to the bouquet. The palate is wonderfully well poised offering a richness of multi-layered ripe dark fruit framed by a mantle of sculpted tannins. Good freshness adds lift to the long finish. This is a must try New Zealand Syrah.

• 93 Points/ Excellent, Cam Douglas MS, ‘Ripe and varietal bouquet with scents of black currant and baked raspberry then baking spices and toasty barrel scents laced with a peppery overtone. Firm and dry with mealy textures from tannins and acidity, a cushioning of ripe fruit flavours and textures combine to deliver a wine of substance and flavour. More cellar ageing will lead this wine into stand alone drinking, in the meantime the youth and firmness lend this wine to food pairing. Best drinking from late 2025 through 2031+.‘ (2021 vintage)
• 5 Stars, Raymond Chan, ‘Deep, ruby-black with some depth and transparency, lighter ruby-purple on edge. The nose is fragrantly full, nuances of dark herbs, floral and smoke entwined with blackberries, roasted meat and peppercorns. Full-bodied, blackberries and plums have a concentrated core, along with violet, thyme, black peppercorns; savoury nuances coated the palate, unfolding smoke meat and broody dark fruit. The mouthfeel is dense, woven by fine-grained, powdery tannin; savouriness broadens the palate and lengthens the finish, lacy acidity brings a sustained, long finish. This is a rich palate Syrah with blackberries in the lead of a complexing, savoury profile and powdery tannin mouthfeel. BioGro organic certified.’ (2019 vintage)

**Vineyard of the Year** New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 2018 Spontaneously purchased in 1999, after exploring the Marlborough wine region, Terrace Edge Wines in the Waipara Valley is the very essence of a family owned and operated business. The North Canterbury property was originally a sheep farm, and the Chapman family began their land conversion by planting 2000 olive trees on the lower terrace. The planting of twelve hectares of vines followed. With no previous experience, the development of the business was taken on with a real trial and error approach. The development of Terrace Edge has not been unlike producing a truly great wine, it requires a real hands-on approach. The whole family is involved in the various aspects of the business. The warm days, cool nights and dry autumns of the Waipara Valley are ideal for producing outstanding wines, which reflect the varied aspects of their growing conditions. The Terrace Edge vineyard is planted in accordance with the variation in soil across the estate. Each plot has been specifically selected and matched with specific vine varieties in order to express their most desirable qualities in the finished wines once in bottle. The entire Chapman family strongly endorse the philosophy that only a healthy soil will nourish the vineyard and produce beautiful fruit which, in turn, can be crafted into high quality, distinctive organic wine. The vineyard is certified organic by BioGro, following a conversion that began in 2011. Official recognition of their organic status was achieved in March 2014. Vines planted include Pinot Noir, Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc with small recent plantings of Albarino and a variety often encountered in Austria, St. Laurent. All wines are crafted under the ever-watchful eye of winemaker Gavin Tait.