Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Dark ripe Syrah from our Omahu and Mangatahi vineyards, hand-picked, traditionally fermented on skins, aged in fine French oak barriques.
Deep ruby red colour. Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, red liquorice, black pepper and red flowers show beautifully. The palate is medium to full bodied with flavours of ripe black fruits, raspberry, anise, pepper, thyme and a lovely thread of vanilla and cedar from oak and fruit. The finish is long with a lovely savoury twist. Will drink beautifully now through 2028."
5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"This is stunning; the wine combines outstanding fruit purity with sensual complexity, showing Black Doris plum, violet and olive notes with an elegant infusion of spicy oak on the nose, followed by an impressively concentrated palate with plush texture and layers of polished tannins. Gorgeously composed and styled with a sustained velvety finish. At its best: now to 2036."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, September 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Aromas and flavours of ripe, plump raspberry flesh and black currants, there’s a fine gravel soils flavour suggestion then tannins and acidity, layers of fine oak and excellent mouthfeel. On the second and third sips the wine starts to show more mouthfeel and darker fruit flavours, some sweet meat qualities, very mild pepper spice and clove qualities. Well made, fruity and nicely complex. Best drinking from later in 2023 through 2028+."
93/100 JamesSuckling.com (2020 Vintage)
"An inviting nose of crushed plums, blackberries, tobacco and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with silky tannins. Meaty and fleshy on the palate with steady concentration and intensity. Seamless."
18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Review, September 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Deep, full dark purple, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is full, rich aromas of Doris plum and blackberry melded with bergamot, herb, black pepper and savoury elements. Medium-full bodied, Doris plum and blackberry have a concentrated core, adorned by sage, bergamot, cured meat and black pepper. The palate is rich with dense fruit and savoury tannin extraction, providing a mouth-filling palate and structure. Vibrant acidity lifts and lightens the rich palate, injecting vitality and energy. This rich Syrah possesses black fruit, herbs and savoury, ripe tannin, supported by lively acidity and a fine tannin structure. Match with venison ragu and Moroccan lamb tagine over the next 8+ years. Fruit from Gimblett Gravels 62% and Mangatahi 38%, predominantly MS clone 70%. 100% destemmed, gentle extraction with one gentle pump over daily during fermentation, pressed to barrels, aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, 35% new oak. 13% alc. Vegan friendly."