The 2022 Kenzie Heretaunga Syrah is a beautifully fresh and finely detailed Hawke’s Bay Syrah from the small New Zealand project of winemaker Dave Mackintosh. Sourced from the Heretaunga Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, the wine comes from limestone and clay soils layered over young alluvial gravels near Roy’s Hill — a site that delivers both ripeness and remarkable freshness. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured in older French oak for nine months and bottled unfined and unfiltered at just 12% alcohol, the wine reflects a lighter, more savoury and elegant interpretation of Syrah.
The nose reveals boysenberry, blackberry and plum layered alongside black pepper, violets and subtle herbal notes, giving the wine impressive aromatic lift and complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, silky tannins and a finely balanced savoury core. Layers of dark berry fruit, cracked spice and gentle earthy nuance unfold with remarkable freshness and energy, finishing long, poised and beautifully drinkable with a distinctly cool-climate Syrah character. Critics and merchants consistently highlight the wine’s freshness, savoury elegance and “Pinot-esque” finesse alongside its vibrant fruit and spice profile.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2022 Kenzie Heretaunga Syrah is a superb modern New Zealand Syrah — fragrant, savoury and beautifully refined with outstanding freshness and drinkability. Perfect with roast lamb, duck, chargrilled vegetables, game pie or mushroom dishes. Enjoy now through 2032.
