The third edition of this wine – one which was a standout on first release (and my red wine of the year) for the 2108 vintage. The 2020 is from two vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, using Clone 470 from Bridge Pa and MS Syrah from Mangatahi.
A deep ruby-purple in the glass, with a little bright magenta showing at the edges. Generously perfumed with boysenberry, damson, white pepper, bramble, resin, baking spice and red floral notes of rose and violet. This newborn Syrah is tight as a drum, a little edgy on opening, but I can report that it evolves swiftly and beautifully as it gets some air – try to decant and keep a taste for the second day when it grows and shines. That dark fruit on the nose reverberates through the palate, captured in a net of supple tannin and subtle french oak. Elegance and purity flow through this Syrah, and the finish is lengthy and polished. 95pts
