2022 Kusuda Syrah

Hiro Kusuda was born in Tokyo where he worked as a lawyer before a stint in Australia. Along the way his love affair with wine and winemaking grew, and eventually he set off to complete his studies at Geisenheim in Germany before moving to Martinborough in New Zealand to make hand crafted Pinot Noir. Kusuda is known for attention to detail, to the point that each berry is picked individually at harvest by his Japanese friends that fly out each year to assist. Naturally this precision comes at a cost, in particular the miniscule volumes produced, and as such stocks are extremely limited.

Limit 1 bottle per person.

Other Reviews....
This is a benchmark syrah for New Zealand. While others continue to be fruit-driven and heavy, this shows the complexity and focus of France’s great Hermitage wines from bygone years of the 1980s and 1990s. The superbly complex aromas of black and white pepper, dried meat, raspberries and blueberries follow through to a medium body with beautifully curated fine tannins, agility and acidity. So much freshness. Handmade. Sold mostly in Japan. Drink or hold.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com