Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Syrah

Deep ruby red colour. Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, red liquorice, black pepper and red flowers show beautifully. The palate is medium to full bodied with flavours of ripe black fruits, raspberry, anise, pepper, thyme and a lovely thread of vanilla and cedar from oak and fruit. The finish is long with a lovely savoury twist.

• Winery: Smith & Sheth
  
• Varietal: 100% Syrah
  
• Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
  
• Vintage: 2020
  
• Alcohol: 13%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Screwcap
  
• Other: Vegan-friendly
  
• Food pairing: Lamb roast, beef, game meat, pork & pepperoni; tuna & salmon; pizza; BBQ & heavy red sauces; bleu-veined cheeses
  

"Dark ripe Syrah from our Omahu and Mangatahi vineyards, hand-picked, traditionally fermented on skins, aged in fine French oak barriques." Smith & Sheth

"Contemporary Negociants

We are in the business of creating great wines that bring great pleasure. As contemporary negociants Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth seek out the exceptional. Hand selecting the best grapes from the finest vineyards. Establishing steadfast relationships with the land, growers and makers who form the DNA of our CRU. The French call it "terroir" – a sense of place. In New Zealand we have our own defining word - Tūrangawaewae - our place to stand in the world. This word describes the special connection of a people and the land they live, love and work in. Our wines reflect the magic and alchemy of this relationship and the true beauty of these places. It is our privilege to share the pleasure, culture and craft of wine with you.

Our People

Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth share a love for the same things: fine wine, Aotearoa New Zealand and enjoying life’s pleasures. They met in Hawke’s Bay over a glass of Chardonnay and in 2014 realised their vision of founding a wine dream together. That dream was to craft impeccable wines from vineyards of exceptional quality and to create experiences where they could share these wines with like-minded people.

Steve Smith MW has a formidable reputation in the wine industry: renowned for establishing Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough, he is also one of few qualified Master of Wines to be based in New Zealand. Brian Sheth, from Austin Texas, is an investor and wildlife conservationist, with a strong affiliation and love for New Zealand.

Our DNA is expressed through our wine and woven into our visual language. Central to our label designs are the DNA strands that define the different grape clones used in our wines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah: the essence of these varietals is illustrated on our bottles and captured within them. Our logo, S&S entwined, is our DNA helix representing the foundations of our story: Smith and Sheth seeking the exceptional. 

Our Place to Stand

There is a Māori word with powerful meaning, tūrangawaewae, which literally translates as a place to stand; tūranga (place) and waewae (feet). However, it’s meaning is much deeper. It refers to that place to which you belong. Where you are grounded by the earth on which you stand. A place where you hold the confidence to speak and act on behalf of the land.

For us, that place is Heretaunga, which refers to an area of rich alluvial plains in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and the surrounding catchment area from mountain top to sea. Plains laced by many braided rivers that feed our fertile soils and created the underlay of shingle beds on which some of the best wines in the world are borne.

The name Heretaunga refers to a resting place, referring to the many resting places on the rivers where traditional canoes were once hitched. The word ‘here’ meaning to bind or lash. Heretaunga ararau, a place of a hundred paths. Heretaunga haukunui, a place of heavy dew. A place of abundance. A place we consider our place to stand, whilst acknowledging the primacy of the indigenous people who gifted it the name, Heretaunga."

Smith & Sheth

• 5 Stars - The Real Review (2020 vintage)
  
• 5 Stars - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2019 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points & Outstanding - Cam Douglas MS (2019 vintage)
  
• 5 Stars - The Real Review (2019 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Falstaff (2018 vintage)
  
• 95/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
  
• 89/100 Points - CellarTracker (2018 vintage)
  
• 92/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
  
• 90/100 Points - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)