Pure Gold Wine

The Mission Estate 2019 Huchet Syrah – reverentially named after Brother Cyprian Huchet, one of Missions and New Zealand’s pioneering winemakers from the 19th century – boasts a distinctive character, exhibiting a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackberries, violets, and cracked black pepper. On the palate, it showcases a harmonious blend of ripe dark fruit, integrated oak, and finely structured tannins. Plus, it’s fair to say the 2019 Huchet Syrah absolutely exemplifies the unique terroir of the Hawke’s Bay Gimblett Gravels region as it has just wowed the judges at not one but two international competitions.

Double Gold medals

The 2019 Huchet Syrah struck gold twice at both the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), both competitions accepting wine entries from all over the world. At the IWC the Huchet Syrah was subjected to a blind tasting by eight judges who are told only the type, region, alcohol and sugar percentage of each wine to ensure that they are judging similar vintages against each other. The judges tasted each wine three times on three separate occasions and the 2019 Huchet Syrah racked up a score between 95 to 100 points which was exceptional enough for Gold!

At the IWSC the 2019 Huchet Syrah was tasted by judges from Brazil, France, Italy and the UK scoring a towering 95 points which also was excellent enough to be awarded Gold. The IWSC judges noted that the 2019 Huchet Syrah was an; ‘inviting rich bramble fruit and dark plum, with savoury leather and meaty undertones. Concentrated and ripe featuring lifted eucalyptus, sweet oak and hints of cedar spice. Graphite and a twist of black pepper on the ripely rounded, persistent finish.’

 

 

A proud moment

These twin Golds are hugely satisfying for Mission Estate Head Winemaker Paul Mooney, ‘The accolades received by our 2019 Huchet Syrah at the Global Wine Masters 2022 and in the International Wine Challenge, International Wine & Spirits Competition are a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality winemaking. We are immensely proud of this achievement, which showcases the dedication and expertise of our winemaking team. These awards reinforce Mission Estate Winery’s position as a leader in New Zealand’s wine industry, producing fine wine since 1851.’

Though the Mission Estate Winery has been going for over 170 years, it looks like Paul and his team have really been hitting their straps in recent years with the international recognition really starting to pour in. These two Golds are only just the latest awards for the 2019 Huchet Syrah, remember it was only last year when it also became one of only two New Zealand wines to secure a Masters Medal in the esteemed Global Wine Masters competition. To find out more about the Syrah that has been wowing the wine judges from across the globe, check it out here.