Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah

A core of dark plum and berry fruit is overlaid with classic Hawkes Bay Syrah perfume of violets, exotic warm spice and cracked black pepper, supported by subtle oak toast. On the palate the wine is full bodied but fine textured with a gentle tannin structure. A balanced acidity brings length and freshness.

• Winery: Church Road Winery
• Varietal: Syrah
• Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2022
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Screwcap
• Food match: Lamb roast, beef, game meat, pork & pepperoni; tuna & salmon; pizza; BBQ & heavy red sauces; bleu-veined cheeses

A blend of fruit from three of the very best parcels across Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago, including the Wai-iti, Gimblett and the Redstone Vineyards, this wine is emblematic of the distinctive, complex and aromatic Syrahs of exceptional quality that saw the region recognised as one of the top four Syrah-producing regions in the world in the years preceding its vintage.

Church Road in Taradale has a rich and storied past, its foundations laid in 1897 by the visionary ex-Marist Brother, Bartholomew Steinmetz. When he returned to his native Luxembourg in the 1920s, he entrusted the fledgling winery to the hands of a young yet ambitious 19-year-old—Tom McDonald. Today, his name is legendary. Initially leasing the winery before securing ownership in 1936, Tom was a pioneer, driven by an unwavering passion for excellence. In 1949, he crafted New Zealand’s very first commercial Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that became an icon of the 1960s and set an enduring benchmark for premium red wines in the country. A true visionary ahead of his time, Tom’s dedication to winemaking remains deeply woven into the fabric of this historic estate.

Under new stewardship, a major renovation in 1989 was undertaken with a singular mission—to restore Church Road’s place as a producer of boutique-style, quality-driven wines. Today, the winery thrives under the expert guidance of Chris Scott, who has been part of its journey since 1998. The winemaking team, drawing from some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest vineyard sites, continues to create wines of remarkable character, delivering both excellence and value at every level. A tradition of passion and innovation lives on, ensuring that every bottle tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the art of winemaking.

• 4.5/5 Stars - Cuisine Wine (2022 vintage)
• Gold & 96/100 Points - 2024 New Zealand International Wine Show (2021 vintage)
• Gold - 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (2021 vintage)
• Gold - 2024 Drinks Business Global Syrah Masters (2021 vintage)
• 89/100 Points - The Wine Front (2021 vintage)
• 95/100 Points - Cameron Douglas MS (2020 Vintage)