From a small hillside vineyard on Roy’s Hill, Hawke’s Bay – one of the Syrahs on the ‘Fine Wines of New Zealand’ list for 2020. The nose is perfumed and aromatic, with violet, damask rose, redcurrant, damson, acacia and blueberry – and a lightness of colour that defies the power. Possessed of a natural beauty. In many ways, it’s a simple wine, but intense and confident with fantastic flavour purity. It dances on your palate defying any requirement for a tighter structure… as it shows a core of fluidity – sensual and hypnotic. Tannins and acidity are restrained, poised, and will knit into perfect harmony given a bit more time in the bottle. Umami, savoury, but with a delicate sweetness that balances – white pepper, black tea and tapenade versus rosehip jelly, nutmeg and dark, bitter chocolate. The finish is slightly drier, with a deeper, liquorice and leather note, but goes for miles. This needs to come in bigger bottles. 97pts.
Bilancia ‘La Collina’ Syrah 2018
