2017 Blank Canvas Element Syrah

Brand	Blank Canvas Wines
Region	Marlborough
Varietal	Syrah
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.0%
Vintage	2017
Country	New Zealand

Winemaker Matt Thomson thinks it's a world first and he should know, having done more vintages than hot dinners. this 2017 Syrah is co-fermented with Gruner Veltliner skins, instead of the traditional Viognier, giving it a Cote Rotie kind of feel but with the unmistakable generosity of fruit and spirit that can only be the Gimblett Gravels.

Everything is as it should be on the nose - classic peppery, spicy, floral Syrah notes with dark plums and berries. Further herbal complexity comes from the bold 60% whole cluster fermentation.

In the mouth, your impression changes - you can see the uniqueness of this wine, there is quite simply nothing like it in NZ. Lushly fruited, it's the structure and earthy flavour profile, the full of energy and concentration. A subtle apricot stone note on the mineral finish is the only evidence of the innovative winemaking. Overall, this may be a polarising wine, since the envelope has been pushed a little - but if our opinion counts, we think it's very impressive! Can't wait to see how it ages, but we think now to 2027 with ease, and probably much longer.