Kusuda
Martinborough Syrah
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
Wow. Like.a NSG on the VR border.
Wow. Like.a NSG on the VR border.
Nov 9th, 2024
Made in Martinborough NZ by Japanese perfectionist Hiro Kusuda. At vintage time he flies out a team of pickers from Japan who inspect each and every grape before crushing. A light to medium bodied Syrah with white pepper and ginger notes - also dried meat. On palate you can actually taste the pepper. Love this style of wine. Cannot see a long cellaring future however. Lovers of big Barossa styles may not like this. With a little more mid palate fruit I would have scored 96+. Very much like another Kiwi Syrah - Te Mata Bullnose from Hawkes Bay - one of my faves - also loads of white pepper.
Made in Martinborough NZ by Japanese perfectionist Hiro Kusuda. At vintage time he flies out a team of pickers from Japan who inspect each and every grape before crushing. A light to medium bodied Syrah with white pepper and ginger notes - also dried meat. On palate you can actually taste the pepper. Love this style of wine. Cannot see a long cellaring future however. Lovers of big Barossa styles may not like this. With a little more mid palate fruit I would have scored 96+. Very much like another Kiwi Syrah - Te Mata Bullnose from Hawkes Bay - one of my faves - also loads of white pepper.
Apr 28th, 2018Loved this Syrah (and a nice change from NZ Pinot as good as it is) from Japanese perfectionist Kusuda. White pepper and spice on nose and palate. Medium bodied with medium plus intensity. Delicious. Will seek out back in Australia.
Loved this Syrah (and a nice change from NZ Pinot as good as it is) from Japanese perfectionist Kusuda. White pepper and spice on nose and palate. Medium bodied with medium plus intensity. Delicious. Will seek out back in Australia.
Feb 2nd, 2017
A delight to the senses, a stand alone Syrah from Martinborough
A delight to the senses, a stand alone Syrah from Martinborough
Oct 3rd, 2016Alright, I see you Kusuda. I maybe misjudged you after having your Riesling.
Tasted blind. Nose is like an intense/extreme new wave/cool climate Syrah. So Hugh toned I almost second-guess calling it Syrah. There is a menthol character that made me think Australia. Imagine a dish at a fancy modernist reataurant: deconstructed Syrah essence(hold the foam). Super delineated and pristine fruit, pepper, and flowers(so many flowers)beyond the typical violet.
When I remembered to taste the wine, I found a very good palate. Good in a way that was a bit of a let down after the excitement provided by the nose, but objectively it's great. Fresh, very soft tannin structure, good acid.
Would drink again when someone buys it for me.
Alright, I see you Kusuda. I maybe misjudged you after having your Riesling.
Tasted blind. Nose is like an intense/extreme new wave/cool climate Syrah. So Hugh toned I almost second-guess calling it Syrah. There is a menthol character that made me think Australia. Imagine a dish at a fancy modernist reataurant: deconstructed Syrah essence(hold the foam). Super delineated and pristine fruit, pepper, and flowers(so many flowers)beyond the typical violet.
When I remembered to taste the wine, I found a very good palate. Good in a way that was a bit of a let down after the excitement provided by the nose, but objectively it's great. Fresh, very soft tannin structure, good acid.
Would drink again when someone buys it for me.
How do they get the white pepper in there? 😎
How do they get the white pepper in there? 😎
Mar 24th, 2016Spicy and fruity, lil taste from home..
Spicy and fruity, lil taste from home..
Jun 25th, 2015
Awesome expression of NZ Syrah from the wonderfully precise Kusuda
Awesome expression of NZ Syrah from the wonderfully precise Kusuda
Jan 20th, 2015Herbal flavor #perfect Paring with fruity eggplant
Herbal flavor #perfect Paring with fruity eggplant
Aug 4th, 202090 minutes of air and this is an elegant smooth Syrah with a slightly sweet coating. The lightness marks it I suppose as an NZ wine. Some tannins still unresolved but an excellent bottle nonetheless. I would wait for a couple of years before opening the next wine
90 minutes of air and this is an elegant smooth Syrah with a slightly sweet coating. The lightness marks it I suppose as an NZ wine. Some tannins still unresolved but an excellent bottle nonetheless. I would wait for a couple of years before opening the next wine
Aug 11th, 2019