From the launch of these wines mid-week, to reviewing them tonight, the difference and yet family resemblance has been on my mind. The Thomson’s Block is a serious contender although much more immediate; Homage is meatier, richer and complex.
Thomson’s Block 2020 single vineyard Syrah
Bright, plummy purple in the glass, with a precocious perfume of damson, cinnamon, black cherry, bramble, lavender, rosehip and rose petal notes. A brisk, juicy acidity with plenty of elderberry, plum, capsicum, blood orange and tapenade flavours emerging in the lithe, flowing palate. The acid and integrated tannins form a good spine off which the other layers hang. There’s a distinct graphite minerality; a cracked pepper spiciness, and a warmer, toasty cedar note; all adding personality and interest. The persistant finish brings everything together in a focussed, generous finish. 94pts
Homage 2019 Syrah
A dense ruby-burgundy red in the glass. Expressively aromatic on the nose. Boysenberry, thyme, dried cranberry, tarragon, redcurrant, smoked salami, white pepper and violet florals on the nose. Youthful but brimming with intense concentartion into the palate. Tight and with fabulous, grippy tannin. Layers of flavours to discover in here – Middle eastern spices – sumac. star anise, green peppercorn; cola and liquorice; mocha and cacao nibs. Succulently fruity, with those dark berry, cherry and plum characters pushed along with a flowing acidity. A resinous depth to the back of the palate, with a robust earthy, peaty minerality. Give this wine a little time to unwind if drinking on release – I found it improved as time went on, and better on day two. A baby, with great potential (and probably a higher score) for a few years time. 95pts
