Far North syrah sets standard for world

Okahu Estate owner Monty Knight toasts the success of his syrah and chambourcin at the recent San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Far North boutique vineyard and wine producer Okahu Estate has garnered gold and silver medals at the recent San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest international wine competition in the US.

Okahu 2014 estate-grown syrah was awarded a gold medal, while Okahu 2014 estate-grown chambourcin was awarded a silver.

Okahu Estate owner Monty Knight said the awards were great news for the vineyard but also recognition of Northland as a strong winemaking district.

"We have this little wee vineyard that can grow some fantastic grapes. This is very exciting for us and great for the reputation of syrah.

"This prestigious award confirms that we can consistently produce world-class syrah at Okahu Estate," says Mr Knight. "Our site has proven to be exceptional for the production of Rhone-style reds, aided by the great work of our vineyard team and the winemakers in producing this memorable wine."

Okahu Estate 1994 syrah won the first-ever gold medal for syrah in New Zealand, at the 1996 Auckland Royal Easter Show.

At the time, Okahu had 1200 bottles in stock which retailed for $35. The vineyard produced 5500 bottles of the gold-medal winning 2014 syrah which retails at $59 a bottle, which Mr Knight believes is lower in real terms than the 1994 vintage.

The vineyard produced 2500 bottles of the award-winning chambourcin, which retails for $49.

While a number of bronzes were awarded for the chambourcin, the only silver awarded for the variety at the San Francisco show went to the Okahu-produced wine.

In its 36th year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition is considered to be one of the most influential wine competitions in the world.

The judging panel of established wine industry exports tasted more than 4600 entries from around the world last month.

Competition organisers said gold medal wines are exceptional and "set the standard for all others", while silver medal wines are outstanding, showing refinement, finesse and complexity.

Okahu Estate was established in 1984 on about 3ha, 3.5km from Kaitaia on the road to Ahipara.