Kusuda Syrah 2014
Region: Martinborough, New Zealand
Grape: Syrah
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Slow-Roasted Pork Belly, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Lamb Chops
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Overview
Kusuda Wines, located in Martinborough, New Zealand, was founded in 2001 by Hiroyuki Kusuda, a former Tokyo lawyer who pursued his passion for winemaking by studying oenology in Germany. Kusuda moved to New Zealand to craft wines of exceptional quality, and his meticulous approach in the vineyard and winery quickly gained attention. Every grape at Kusuda is handpicked with great precision, often with workers individually inspecting and handling each grape—an unusual level of care that reflects Kusuda's dedication to purity and detail.
Specializing in Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Riesling, Kusuda Wines are known for their elegance, balance, and remarkable depth, showcasing Martinborough’s unique terroir. Kusuda’s wines are produced in small quantities, and their limited availability, combined with their high quality, has garnered international acclaim. Each vintage reflects Hiro Kusuda’s philosophy of minimal intervention, aiming to create wines that are authentic expressions of both varietal and place.
Crafted with the uncompromising detail that has become Hiroyuki Kusuda’s hallmark, the 2014 Kusuda Syrah encapsulates both the intensity and finesse of Martinborough’s unique terroir. Kusuda’s approach is meticulous; each grape is hand-picked and sorted with precision, ensuring only the finest fruit makes it to the barrel. The cool climate and gravelly soils of Martinborough allow for a slow, concentrated ripening period, which Kusuda harnesses to create a wine of remarkable depth and elegance.
The 2014 vintage presented a relatively even growing season, with cooler temperatures that contributed to a Syrah of vibrancy and freshness. The use of whole-bunch fermentation and wild yeasts lends the wine a refined complexity and texture, capturing the purity of its origins while enhancing its structure. Aged in French oak, the wine develops subtle spice notes that complement the intense fruit and savoury, earthy nuances typical of Martinborough Syrah.
Critic Reviews
96 points
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate December 2023
The 2014 Syrah is soft, earthy, spicy and detailed, layered with exotic nuance and seamless tannins. Let me explain what that looks like—there are equal and delicate proportions of black pudding, blood plum, fresh-turned earth, tobacco, finely milled peppercorns and all of it is shaped by ferruginous tannins. What is the expression—"Everything has a place, and in its place goes everything." This is that wine. It's on a graceful aging arc that feels like it could be endless. Superb wine. A revelation. I love the bloodiness of this wine and the harmony. This has 12.5% alcohol and was sealed under 54-millimeter cork, with 3,709 bottles produced.
Drink 2023 - 2034