A deep, opaque ruby-purple colour in the glass, with a nose of blueberry, bramble and pomegranate, filled out with florals of violets and tobacco box.
Generous and succulent on the palate with raspberry compote, elder, dark plum and drier, spiced notes of cinnamon, white pepper and sage. Intense and concentrated, a brooding core that’s accentuated with a chocolate liquorice richness, a touch of crème fraiche in the glossy texture, and a smoky waft of oak. Tannins are already voluptuous – woven into the structure, adding to a lovely harmony and balance to what is a titan of a wine… but with a nimble way of flitting across the palate – supple not drenching. The finish is long and spicy, with more pepper and lilac. 94pts. Another excellent Hawke’s Bay Syrah.
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