Responsible Hedonist, Rush the Stage Red 2023

100% Syrah

Bridge Pā Triangle, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Mass Selection thin skinned Syrah clones of the TK Vineyard, owned by Karen and Troy and managed by Bridget and Miles. Sandy loam soils over “red metal” gravels left behind by the meandering Ngaruroro River. The 11 hecatre vineyard is farmed using organic practices. The oldest vines on the site are nearly 25 years old which provides a depth of flavor to the fruit. The 2023 vintage was cooler and wetter than usual, resulting in delayed maturity. But that meant the grapes didn’t mind when storm Gabrielle came thru in Feb! Picked April 9th 2023. Native yeast fermentation. Gentle pump overs during peak ferment and pigeage by hand & foot. 13 days on skins and complete malolactic. Aging in old neutral french oak. Unfined/unfiltered. Bottled on August 26th 2024. 3,828 bottles produced. VEGAN. 

Black woman owned. Sustainably minded. Diana says: Serve at cellar temperature in an all purpose wine glass. Light bodied and silky smooth on the palate with flavors of cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and crushed rocks. 

Diana Hawkins and Frank Lepera, two nerds from the Midwest who somehow found their way to the wine industry. Together, they have over 15 years of experience in the wine biz and a bunch of certifications. Both worked as sommeliers in Chicago at James Beard award winning and Michelin starred restaurants. In 2017, they moved to Aotearoa New Zealand, so Diana could pursue her Master’s in Winemaking.