Novum 'Basket Press' Syrah 2021

Syrah grown in Marlborough sits on the edge of climatic suitability. However, after years of working with this variety we have learnt that the high number of sunshine hours combined with careful attention in the vineyard can produce wines of the most astonishing concentration and flavour.

We planted 1 acre of Syrah vines with the express desire to make a truly great Syrah. This is no small undertaking. We put together 20 years’ worth of learnings on soil type, root stock, row spacings, canopy management, pruning techniques, and winemakinginto the development of this one acre of vineyard.

The resulting vineyard stands out – it’s different from every vineyard around it. Extremely close-planted at just 1.1- by-1.5 metres, with 5,600 plants per HA, with the fruiting wire sitting only 400 millimetres off the ground to achieve optimum effect from the radiated ground heat. Planted amongst the Syrah vines are Viognier plants (3%), which are a traditional variety used in the Rhône Valley to add midpalate weight and fix colour when co-fermented with Syrah.

Syrah grown on the Brancott Valley clay soils tastes similar to Pinot Noir, in that it shows an attractive richness and roundness in the back palate. Also appealing is the fact that it can achieve ripe flavours and a great structure at only 13.5% ABV.