Responsible Hedonist "Rush the Stage" Syrah, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand 2023

FROM SELECTION MASSALE:

THE WINE: Organic Syrah also picked early. Gently treated, like Pinot: destemmed, spontaneous fermentation and malo. 20% aged in stainless, 80% in neutral barrel.

THE PRODUCER: We’re two nerds from the Midwest who somehow found our way to the wine industry. Together, we have over 15 years of experience in the wine biz and a bunch of certifications. We both worked as sommeliers in Chicago at James Beard award winning and Michelin starred restaurants. In 2017, we moved to Aotearoa New Zealand, so Diana could pursue her Master’s in Winemaking. We never left. Over time, we began to realize that there was a big problem in the wine industry: snooty, boring, gatekeepers. These gatekeepers prevent wine lovers stateside from enjoying fun, exciting wines from around the globe – including from Aotearoa New Zealand. Isn’t that some bull? We think so too, which is why we created Responsible Hedonist. We’re crafting sustainable, fun, exciting wines from Aotearoa New Zealand and we can’t wait to share them with you!