At a glance

Producer

Trinity Hill

Region

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$50

Tasting profile

Black pepper, dark berry fruits, smoked meat, and subtle earth; notes of violet and spice emerging.

Evolution: With age, will develop more complex savory and tertiary notes—leather, forest floor, and truffle.

At peak: Rich, complex, well-integrated tannins with layered dark fruit and spicy nuances.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus acidity, providing good freshness and balance

Tannins

Firm and structured, typical of Syrah from Gimblett Gravels

Alcohol

Approximately 14.0%-14.5%

Aging potential

15+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2032

Optimal window

2023 to 2035

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Wine is fresh with developing secondary notes; tannins are firm but integrated.

The Syrah from Gimblett Gravels has a robust tannic structure and sufficient acidity that allows long aging, especially for the 2018 vintage which gained high praise for concentration. The wine's development during peak years will be optimal for flavor complexity and textural smoothness.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, venison, rich stews, black pepper crusted beef, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (60-90 minutes) — To soften tannins and open up aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Trinity Hill employs sustainable viticulture practices including integrated pest management, water conservation, minimal tillage and use of cover crops. They monitor water use carefully and have initiatives for energy efficiency in winery operations.

Trinity Hill participates actively in SWNZ, demonstrating commitment to responsible land and water use, minimal chemical inputs, and energy conservation. Their emphasis on sustainable farming and packaging reduces environmental impact. While export shipping adds to carbon load, overall practices rank well on sustainability.