Hawke’s Bay Syrah – the fruit de-stemmed and fermented in tanks to 14% alc. Then aged in mainly new French oak barriques for 17 months. Sealed under cork (cork in excellent condition). An opaque medium to deep purple colour in the glass. The complex nose leads with ripe plum fruit and touch of baking spice, then white pepper and violet florals. In the palate there is plenty going on – with firm, grippy tannins, some dense, tightly-packed and concentrated fruit with charred oak in the background. A lift of fresh, mouth-watering acidity. Medium length finish. Still quite tight and I would expect this to open up over next 3-5 years. 92 pts as at now with upside in time.
Brookfields ‘Hillside’ Syrah 2018
