Coopers Creek Reserve Syrah

You can bet your bottom dollar if you see Cooper’s Creek slapping a “Reserve” label on one of their reds you’re in for a real treat. It’s only the fourth time in nearly a decade they’ve put out a red under their top tier label and boy, it doesn’t disappoint!

From their Chalk Ridge vineyard in Hawke’s Bay (the vineyard block is covered with fossilised limestone) and made by a ridiculously talented winemaker (Simon Nunns) the wine has obvious class. And if you need any more proof look no further than Master of Wine Bob Campbell’s scores for this wine. Four releases in 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2018 (all great Hawke’s Bay vintages) and all four wines receiving high marks of 95/100 from Bob!

Bob called it “Dense, taut and powerful syrah from grapes grown in the Chalk Ridge vineyard. Intense wine with floral, violet, dark berry, plum, black pepper and spicy oak supported by a fine core of ripe acidity. A youthful wine that can be appreciated now but will develop well with bottle age. (drink up to 2026).”

The bolder more complex style of this red means it’ll pair nicely with meats with richer flavours like duck, venison, game and beef.