It is a special treat to understand the quality of wine from the perspective of having been present for its creation. I had the privilege of an internship with winemaker Matt Sands during the 2020 vintage. Matt is also the winemaker for Napa’s Lithology winery. Te Papa is the very petite passion project started with his wife Amanda. In the glass, this Syrah exhibits an intense ripeness, a full body, and tannins only slightly softer than a Cabernet. Even with its intensity, the wine retains some distinct savory notes. Bring this to the next barbecue or serve with roasted lamb, and it will be the star. Matt, having grown up in New Zealand, and Amanda, with roots in the Midwest, met as temporary ski instructors in Tahoe in their 20s and then relocated to New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, where Matt furthered his winemaking career before ultimately moving to Napa Valley, where the couple now make their homes with their children Olive and Nico. The name “Te Papa” translates to “container of treasures” in New Zealand’s indigenous Maori language.