At a glance

Producer

Church Road Wines

Region

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Rich black fruit aromas with spice, pepper, dark chocolate, and smoky hints. Palate shows blackberry, plum, and savory meatiness with balanced oak influence.

Evolution: Over the next 5-10 years will develop more complexity with tertiary notes like leather, forest floor, and refined spice

At peak: An elegant yet powerful wine with integrated tannins, layered aromas, and a long, harmonious finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, refreshing for aging

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, fine-grained

Alcohol

14.0% ABV

Aging potential

15+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2032

Optimal window

2022 to 2037

Current status

Approaching early drinkability with good structure, suitable for medium-term cellaring

Current condition

Now drinking well but will benefit from further age; tannins still firm but integrated

The combination of fine tannins, medium-high acidity, and concentrated fruit from Hawke's Bay's climate and Church Road’s quality Syrah makes this wine capable of aging gracefully for over a decade. 2017 vintage climate lent ripe fruit with good structure, supporting an extended optimum drinking window.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled red meats, game, pepper crusted steak, hearty lamb dishes, aged cheeses, and dishes with smoky or spiced sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open fully

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Church Road employs integrated pest management, renewable energy use, water conservation practices, and recycling packaging materials. Use of cover crops and soil health monitoring enhance ecosystem balance.

Church Road Wines demonstrates good sustainability commitment with recognized certifications and practical environmental stewardship. While exporting globally raises carbon emissions, the producer’s renewable energy usage and waste reduction partially offset impact.