Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2023
Trade Tools
New Zealand
French for soil, "Le Sol" comes exclusively from heritage Syrah clones in the Gimblett Gravels Vineyard. The stony soils there keep growth and cropping of the old clone Syrah vines in check and provide warmth in the autumn and winter. This heritage clone was brough to New Zealand in the 1840s. Grapes were hand harvested, partially destemmed (80%), and fermented in open-top French oak cuves and stainless-steel tanks.
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2023 vintage
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2023 vintage
Harvest Note
Thanks to early ripening before late summer rains, the reds benefited from deep flavor development and balanced alcohol levels. The warm spring conditions contributed to rich, ripe fruit profiles and soft, mature tannin structure. In 2023, Le Sol’s fruit was selectively hand-harvested from Blocks 10, 14, and 4. Bunches were meticulously hand-sorted and divided between a single French oak cuve and stainless steel open-top fermenter. Maceration on skins extended for 24 to 28 days, employing gentle pumpover regimes. Post-fermentation, the wine matured for 17 months in a combination of French oak barriques and Austrian demi-muids; 37% new oak.
Tasting Note
Deep twilight purple in the glass. From a cooler, restrained vintage, aromas of lavender, licorice, graphite, and mulberry emerge with quiet elegance. The palate is precise and fresh, with silken tannins, savory florals, and graceful structure built to unfold over time.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Hawke's Bay
PH: 3.71
ACIDITY: 5.3 g/L
ABV: 13%
AGING: 17 months in combination of French oak barriques and Austrian demi-muids; 37% new oak
Unique Selling Points
- Like southern Rhône vineyards, Gimblett Gravels is covered by stones that absorb the day's heat to radiate it at night, promoting exceptional ripeness.
- Shows alluring, Rhône-style aromas and flavors of blue and black fruits, exotic spices and black pepper.
- Red wines from the Gimblett Gravels vineyard have a rich, ripe and elegant style, and fine tannins.
- Le Sol is Wine Advocate’s highest scoring New Zealand wine and its only New Zealand wine to be rated over 95 points.
I am fortunate to lead an extraordinary group of people who want to be part of creating something truly magnificent that successive generations can admire and enjoy for years to come. I love our great estates and feel a strong connection to their complexities and subtleties.
Julian Grounds, Winemaker
About the Grape
Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
