Plenty of life still in NZ's oldest winery

Paul Mooney says the win is confirmation Mission is on the right track.

Mission Estate winemaker Paul Mooney is thrilled the 2013 Jewlestone Syrah has won best New Zealand Syrah and top Gimblett Gravel wine.

This is a huge coup not only for Mission Estate but also for Hawke's Bay.

Just a few weeks ago, the Jewlestone (pictured) and the 2013 Reserve Syrah, both from the Gimblett Gravels region, won gold medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London.

The IWC is considered by many to be the world's finest and most meticulously judged wine competition.

Peter Holley, CEO of Mission Estate, says: "As the oldest winery in New Zealand, we're very proud of our rich heritage and winemaking skills and it's very rewarding to see our passions are being recognised not only here in New Zealand but further afield around the world."

Mr Mooney, who has been at Mission since 1979, said: "The win is confirmation that we are on the right track.

"It's also great for the morale of our staff. Everyone in Hawke's Bay is making good syrah at the moment."

Conditions for a good vintage were dry summers and settled autumns.

"This 2013 syrah reminds me of the 2003 one and is possibly the best we have had since 2007."

Mr Mooney was originally mentored by Brother John, who learned the art of winemaking in Bordeaux during the 1960s.

"We still use many of the original philosophies that the Brothers applied to making Mission Estate wines and this will always be something that we will continue to do, as we remain committed to producing excellent products for people to enjoy, the world over," he said.