Man O' War Dreadnought Syrah 2021

Man O’ War is located on the beautiful island of Waiheke, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf in the Northern part of New Zealand. It’s a 4,500-acre farm owned by the Spencer family, with over 150-acres under vine, first planted in 1993. Today, there are no less than 75 separate vineyards across the farm.

The place is steeped in history, and the bay was a safe harbour for naval seafarers, who repaired their boats using timber from the local Kauri trees. Hence the name.

They have become well known for their Syrah, Chardonnay, and Waiheke’s signature Bordeaux blends. They also produce distinctly different Sauvignon Blanc, a seriously drinkable Pinot Gris, and a Rose which is a firm favourite at their beach front tasting room and cellar door.

Grapes were hand-harvested between 27th March and 7th April, from Gorse Laneway, Little Beast, Lone Kauri, Noises, Nikau, Puriri and Root-Rake vineyards, then fermented, pressed, and aged in oak separately. All ferments were wild and stayed in vat for 30 days prior to pressing, with the wines maturing in oak puncheons (32% new oak) for a minimum of 18 months prior to blending.