2019 Elephant Hill Hawkes Bay Syrah

"An exuberant, fresh and pure fruited bouquet with scents of dark cherry and raspberry, a mix of wood spice, strone and mineral qualities, violets and a whisper of peppery spice. Plush, fresh, textued new and delicious. The varietal signatures in the bouquet are delivered seamlessly to the palate. An abundance of fine polished tannins, a back bone of acidity and lengthy finish. An excellent wine for sipping on its own or with food. Best drinking from 2022 through 2028+." Drink 2022 - 2028+

The 2019 vintage (4.5*) was hand-harvested in the Bridge Pa Triangle (40 per cent), Te Awanga (35 per cent), and the Gimblett Gravels (25 per cent). Co-fermented with Viognier (1 per cent), it was matured in French oak barriques. Full- coloured, it is a strongly varietal red, mouthfilling and supple, with very good intensity of vibrant, spicy flavours, finely textured and lingering. Best drinking 2023+.

"Deep, ruby-red with a hint of purple underlay, lighter on the rim. The nose is gently full, with power and depth, penetrating aromas of blackberries and plums melded with dark herb and a hint of mealy, meaty note. Full-bodied, concentrated aromas of blackberries and plums enriched by dark herb, violet, savoury, meaty nuances and a touch of pepper. The wine is mouth-filling with weight and broadness, reflecting the concentrated fruit. Fine-grained, powdery tannin contributes to a smooth line direct by integrated, lacy acidity. This is a broody Syrah with rich and intense dark-fruited flavours, herbs and spice with mealy nuances on a smooth flowing, weighty palate. A blend of 99% Syrah, 1% viognier, from 40% Bridge Pa, 35% Te Awanga and 25% Gimblett Gravels. Handpicked and sorted, co-fermented with Viognier to 13.5% alc, aged 12 months approx, 20% new oak. 18.5/20 pts"