Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"A brooding black fruited Syrah which is well structured with alcohol, tannin and acidity. Dark spicy fruits are well supported with a hint of pure floral fragrance. Crafted to age well, complexity, concentration of pure ripe fruit and subtle sweet oak blend together to ensure this. This Syrah has lingering length and persistence of flavour, a hallmark of this variety.
The hand harvested Syrah was chilled overnight before processing the following day. Chilled bunches were hand sorted, then de-stemmed and the whole berries were transferred to open fermenters with some foot stomping. Some whole bunches were incorporated in the ferments. The berries were cold soaked before fermentation, indigenous yeast initiated the fermentation, while cultured yeast completed it. Twice daily pump overs and cool ferment temperatures through to dryness, then pressed to barriques. The Syrah matured for approximately 16 months in new and seasoned French oak barriques."
5 Stars & 98/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, September 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"This is reminiscent of a top-notch Hermitage. Exquisitely graceful yet immensely powerful. The elegantly perfumed bouquet shows Black Doris plum, violet, thyme, clove and roasted nut characters with a hint of gamey complexity. The concentrated palate exhibits impressive depth together with seamlessly flowing mouthfeel backed by layers of fine tannins, finishing persistent and engaging. The wine offers scintillating clarity as well as seductive complexity. A superstar syrah. At its best: 2024 to 2036."
Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS, September 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Complex and layered bouquet with scents of red and purple skinned fruits, a distinctive layer of French oak and Hawkes Bay crushed stones minerality. Youthful, primary and alluring. Fantastic structure on the palate with an abundance of ripe chalky tannins and backbone of acidity. This foundation embraces the flavours of dark red berries and spices, barrel flavours, some wild violets and soft savoury complexity. Excellent mouthfeel and finish, complexity and charm. Don’t rush to drink this wine – its one for the cellar with best drinking from 2023 through 2030+"
5 Stars & 96/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2019 Vintage)
"Dense, elegant syrah that is delightfully supple with dark berry, violet, black pepper, anise and spicy oak flavours. Delicious wine that can be appreciated now but should develop well with bottle age. A very impressive wine from an excellent vintage."

















