Shed 530 Estate, Hawke's Bay Syrah, 2020
Shed 530 Estate, Hawke's Bay Syrah, 2020
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Syrah
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The Hawke’s Bay's is one of New Zealand’s premium winegrowing regions, with first plantings dating back to 1851. It is within this winemaking heaven that Shed 530 is situated, on a small estate within touching distance from the pretty art deco town of Napier.
This Syrah hails from a single vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, centred on the bed of the dried-up Ngaruroro River, and renowned for its excellent single varietal Syrah's and Bordeaux blends. Hand-harvested and fermented in small batches before maturation in French barriques, it’s an engaging wine full of spicy, ripe hedgerow fruit complete with a savoury finish.
Currently drinking well with primary fruit still prominent alongside developing savoury complexity. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the tannins to integrate further while secondary characteristics of leather, game, and earth become more pronounced. The wine should reach its optimal drinking window by 2028, when fruit and savoury elements achieve perfect balance. Beyond 2032, while still enjoyable, the primary fruit will begin to fade, leaving predominantly tertiary flavours of forest floor and aged meat.
What the critics say:
"The 2020 Shed 530 Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah comes from a single vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, that sweetest of sweet spots for single varietal Syrahs and Bordeaux blends, centred on the bed of the dried-up Ngaruroro River. Hand-harvested and fermented in small batches before maturation in French barriques, it’s a wonderfully engaging wine full of spicy, ripe hedgerow fruit complete with savoury finish. It’s more than a match for the Northern Rhône."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with purple highlights, displaying good concentration and clarity.
NoseImmediately expressive with ripe blackberry and plum fruit, lifted by white pepper and dried herbs. French oak contributes subtle vanilla and spice, while underlying gamey and leather character adds complexity. The aromatics suggest excellent fruit ripeness balanced by savoury elements.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with excellent structure, showing concentrated dark fruit flavours wrapped in fine-grained tannins. The mid-palate reveals layers of black olive, cracked pepper, and smoky bacon fat. Acidity provides freshness and drive, while the French barrique maturation adds textural richness without overwhelming the fruit character.
FinishLong and savoury with lingering spice, dried herbs, and a mineral edge that speaks to the gravelly terroir.
Overall impressionA compelling Syrah that successfully marries New World fruit intensity with Old World restraint and complexity.
Food Pairings
In Hawke's Bay, this style of Syrah traditionally accompanies the region's excellent grass-fed lamb, often prepared with rosemary and garlic on the barbecue. Local venison from the nearby ranges pairs beautifully, as do the region's artisanal sausages made with herbs and spices. The wine complements New Zealand's growing reputation for charcuterie, particularly when served alongside local cheeses from the Tuki Tuki Valley. During harvest season, vignerons often enjoy it with hearty winter stews featuring root vegetables from the fertile Heretaunga Plains.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and savoury elements to express fully. Decant for 30-60 minutes to soften the tannins and allow the aromatics to open, though this is optional for current drinking. Use large Burgundy bowls rather than narrow Bordeaux glasses to capture the wine's aromatic complexity. If cellaring, store bottles on their side in a cool, dark environment with minimal temperature fluctuation.
The vineyard sits within the Gimblett Gravels sub-region, positioned on the ancient bed of the dried-up Ngaruroro River. These free-draining gravelly soils provide excellent heat retention and naturally limit vine vigour, concentrating flavours in the grapes. The continental climate brings warm, dry summers with significant diurnal temperature variation, allowing Syrah to develop full phenolic ripeness while maintaining natural acidity. This terroir combination produces Syrahs with remarkable depth and savoury complexity.
Hawke's Bay represents New Zealand's second-largest wine region and arguably its most diverse, with plantings dating back to 1851. The region excels with Bordeaux varieties and Syrah, particularly from sub-regions like Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle. Unlike the Loire-influenced regions of the South Island, Hawke's Bay's warmer continental climate allows for full ripening of red varieties. The region's reputation has grown significantly since the 1990s, with many vineyards now producing wines that rival established Old World benchmarks.
The 2020 growing season in Hawke's Bay began promisingly with a warm, settled summer that allowed steady ripening across the region's diverse terroirs. However, the vintage will be remembered for the challenges that followed: significant rainfall in March disrupted harvest plans, forcing producers to make careful selection decisions. The weather pattern created a tale of two harvests - those who picked early secured excellent fruit, while others faced dilution and disease pressure. Despite these hurdles, experienced growers who adapted quickly to the conditions managed to produce wines of real character.
The 2020 vintage produced wines with appealing freshness and moderate alcohol levels, particularly benefiting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which retained excellent natural acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the best sites show good concentration, though overall yields were reduced. While 2020 may not rank among Hawke's Bay's legendary vintages, the wines display an elegant, food-friendly style with pure fruit expression. The whites are drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years, whilst the reds are approachable young but will reward cellaring through the late 2020s.
FAQs
How does this compare to Northern Rhône Syrah?
Jonathan Ray of The Spectator noted this wine is "more than a match for the Northern Rhône," sharing similar savoury complexity and structure. While Northern Rhône Syrahs tend toward more mineral austerity, this Hawke's Bay example offers slightly riper fruit with comparable spice and pepper character.
What makes Gimblett Gravels special for Syrah?
The Gimblett Gravels' free-draining gravel soils and heat-retaining properties create ideal conditions for Syrah. Located on an ancient riverbed, the terroir naturally concentrates flavours while the continental climate ensures full phenolic ripeness, producing wines with excellent structure and complexity.
Is this wine ready to drink now?
Yes, the 2020 vintage is drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve until 2032. While enjoyable immediately, allowing 30-60 minutes in decanter will help integrate the tannins and showcase the wine's full aromatic potential.
How should I store this wine?
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C with minimal temperature fluctuation. The wine will develop gracefully for the next 6 years, with optimal drinking between now and 2032.
What food pairings work best?
This Syrah excels with grilled or roasted red meats, particularly lamb with herbs. Game dishes, aged cheeses, and charcuterie also complement the wine's savoury character. The spice and pepper elements make it excellent with barbecued meats or dishes featuring black pepper and herbs.
How does the French oak influence the wine?
Maturation in French barriques adds subtle vanilla and spice while providing textural richness. The oak is well-integrated, supporting rather than dominating the fruit, allowing the Gimblett Gravels terroir character to shine through with its distinctive savoury and mineral qualities.
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