The 2023 Te Mata Bullnose Syrah is one of New Zealand’s benchmark Syrahs and a flagship wine from the historic Te Mata Estate. Named after the classic Morris Cowley "Bullnose" motor car, this iconic wine is sourced from Te Mata’s finest Syrah vineyards in Bridge Pā Triangle and Gimblett Gravels, where ancient alluvial soils produce Syrah of exceptional perfume, finesse and longevity. Matured for 13 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques, the outstanding 2023 vintage has delivered a wine of remarkable elegance, freshness and balance. It has received widespread acclaim, including 97 points from Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) and 94 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
The nose is intensely fragrant and beautifully layered, opening with aromas of plum, raspberry, dark cherry and blackberry, intertwined with classic violet, cinnamon and cracked white pepper. As the wine opens in the glass, notes of rose petals, crushed rock, olive tapenade and dark chocolate emerge, complemented by hints of smoked herbs, cocoa and subtle French oak spice. The aromatic profile is refined rather than opulent, displaying the hallmark floral perfume and savoury complexity that distinguish great Hawke’s Bay Syrah.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a luxurious, cashmere-like texture, finely woven tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Layers of dark cherry, raspberry and black plum glide effortlessly across the palate, supported by savoury notes of pepper, olive, cocoa and dried herbs. The fruit is beautifully pure and energetic, while the French oak contributes subtle structure without dominating the wine. The chalky tannins and mineral freshness create exceptional definition, leading to a long, elegant and persistent finish marked by lingering notes of blackberry, spice, violets and crushed stone. The style is graceful and refined, sitting stylistically much closer to a fine Northern Rhône Syrah than a rich, full-bodied Australian Shiraz.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the finest Syrahs produced in New Zealand and a superb choice for lovers of elegant, cool-climate reds. Compared to Te Mata Coleraine, Bullnose is more floral, peppery and immediately approachable, while compared to richer Barossa Shiraz it offers greater finesse, mineral precision and savoury complexity. It’s also an excellent alternative to Côte-Rôtie or Saint-Joseph, delivering remarkable perfume and balance at a fraction of the price. The outstanding 2023 vintage is already captivating with 1–2 hours of decanting, yet it has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next 12–18 years. Perfect with roast lamb, duck breast, venison, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, charcuterie or refined Mediterranean cuisine.
