The winemaking philosophy is to preserve the very distinct vineyard character and fruit purity along with support from new but low impact French oak. The wine was regularly and carefully racked and very gently aerated during aging.

The 2005 season was slightly warmer than average and as a result harvest was slightly earlier. The Syrah fruit was harvested in two phases during early April and on both of these occasions a small percentage of Viognier was harvested in order to include the white fruit in the red ferment. The Viognier free run juice was pressed off separately for the varietal white wine and the remaining skins only were included in the ferment. The Viognier component is approximately 2%.

Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealands warmest and sunniest wine regions, the climate is well suited to growing Syrah. The wine has notes of black pepper and black raspberry, with a long spicy finish.

Crafted using traditional gentle winemaking techniques Louis Syrah 2005 displays the classic Bridge Pa Vineyard aromas of perfumed violet and black fruit. The palate is full bodied and smooth featuring berries, black cracked pepper and an earthy undertone. Extended barrel aging in American oak barriques has contributed to a beautifully balanced and elegantly structured wine that will continue to develop in the bottle long after its release.

made from the very best hand harvested fruit from vines grown on Taupo Pumice Sands at the Ngatarawa Road vineyard Crafted by Bruce Helliwell using traditional gentle winemaking techniques, Louis 2004 is opulent and full bodied, its colour is dark ruby and concentrated with a dark rose edge. On the nose it shows aromas of black pepper, spices, and violets, the palate displays black fruits, bitter chocolate and a broody, earthy undertone. Louis 04 is balanced and elegant, with firm ripe tannins and a delicious mid-palate concentration leading into a long lingering finish.