In the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay, Stonecroft are now owned by Dermot McCollum and Andria Monin, who took over in 2010 and create four Syrahs – Serine, Reserve, Undressed and The Original Syrah. Made from the original Syrah vines in the country – the latter will set you back $150 a bottle. This bottle from back in 2002 is before their time, and just labelled ‘Syrah’.
A dense purple-black colour in the glass; it benefited greatly from some air – decanted for an hour until it awoke from its 20 years of sleep in the bottle. A complex, bold perfume developed – rich with dark plum, tapenade, orange rind, cracked pepper, boysenberry and a lift of lavender and violet florals. Inkily concentrated, with lovely grippy tannins across the palate, and a core of warm, toasted oak notes. An earthy layer of mineral, resin, and smoky peat balances the succulent fruit and takes a turn into a sweeter, silky texture where the flavours coat the tongue. The finish is special – everything comes together and elongates beautifully. A treasure of a bottle – right up there with the best Syrahs I’ve tasted from New Zealand. 96pts
