Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2016
Trade Tools
New Zealand
Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is comprised of 250 acres of red and white Bordeaux varieties, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. 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. Both are critical factors in developing the enormous character and presence of this wine.
These grapes were hand harvested. 80% of the grapes were destemmed , 20% left in whole clusters, before undergoing fermentation in open-top French oak vessels and stainless steel tanks. The juice is then innoculated and aged in 35% new french oak barrels for 17 months.
Harvest Note
The fourth consecutive exceptional vintage in a row. A cool, late spring resulted in a record long season. This was followed by a warm summer with an unusual 50 days above 77 degrees fahrenheit. All was on track early with solid flowering and minimal frost, but as time went on, the growing process was unusually slow and late. To make matters worse, the warm summer days were accompanied by warm nights and high humidity. Despite these challenges, the 2016 vintage produced juicy and succulent wines with plenty of color and body.
Tasting Note
In color, this Syrah is a deep, inky red with a vibrant purple hue. Enticing aromatics of boysenberry, blueberry, violets, clove and lightly seared meat. This wine exhibits a real richness of fruit yet carries an ethereal quality. The fine grained tannins dance gracefully across the palate. Can be cellared for 10 to 15 years.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Gimblett Gravels
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 5.85 g/l
ABV: 13.3%
AGING: Aged in 35% new french oak barrels for 17 months
Unique Selling Points
- An especially vibrant Syrah from Gimblett Gravel Vineyard's ideally-matched terroir
- Matured in oak barriques for 17 months
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.
