Church Road TOM Syrah

Church Road TOM Syrah is a luxurious and commanding expression of Hawke’s Bay Syrah. Crafted only in outstanding vintages, it embodies the legacy of visionary winemaker Tom McDonald. From the Redstone Vineyard’s iron-rich soils, this elegant wine delivers depth, finesse, and remarkable cellaring potential—a collector’s Syrah of pure prestige.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Elegant and powerful, this Syrah reveals ripe berry and black plum layered with violet, lavender, liquorice, and anise. Beneath the fruit, nuances of cacao, cedar, leather, and savoury spice emerge. The palate is full and fine, guided by silky tannins and minerality. Complex, balanced, and luxuriously long, it’s both refined and deeply expressive.

Key Details

• Winery: Church Road Winery
• Varietal: Syrah
• Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2021
• ABV: 13.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Sustainable Winemaking

Craftsmanship & Story

Produced from the Redstone Vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle, TOM Syrah showcases meticulous vineyard and cellar craftsmanship. Selective hand-harvesting, whole-bunch fermentation, and extended maceration enhance structure and perfume. The wine matured 17 months in fine French oak (36% new), bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only the finest Syrah parcels are chosen for TOM—a wine crafted in tribute to the pioneering Tom McDonald.

Special Features

The Redstone Vineyard’s “red metal” soils impart warmth, ripeness, and a distinctive mineral edge. Long maceration and lees contact build texture and harmony, while precise oak integration supports the wine’s opulent fruit and savoury balance. TOM Syrah is crafted to age gracefully for two decades, developing complexity and depth with time.

Recognition & Accolades

Each release of TOM Syrah earns acclaim from leading critics and competitions, reinforcing its reputation as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished Syrahs:

• 96/100 Points – Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier (2021 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – David Walker-Bell, WineFolio (2021 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier (2020 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide (2020 vintage)
• 20/20 – Raymond Chan (2020 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2019 vintage)

Such consistent recognition underscores TOM Syrah’s stature as a flagship of Hawke’s Bay winemaking excellence.

Food Pairings

Church Road TOM Syrah’s rich dark fruit, exotic spice, and savoury depth pair exquisitely with roasted lamb, venison, or slow-braised beef with pepper jus. Its fine tannins and minerality enhance smoky barbecue flavours and earthy dishes like truffle risotto. For a refined finish, enjoy with aged cheddar, blue cheese, or spiced duck confit.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A showpiece Syrah for collectors and connoisseurs, perfect for milestone celebrations, corporate gifting, or luxurious cellaring. A wine that epitomises craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring elegance.