Bob McDonald

9.4

A gift from the Sommelier st the Downs Club. Mid crimson with purple edges showing its youth. Fresh red cherries, showing its youth again, on the nose. The palate shows that cherry fruit again with lots of spice and a little white pepper. Barely medium weight. The Gimblett Gravels weaving its magic again for Syrah. I’ve always been a big fan of Trinity Hill from this district. This isn’t as full bodied but just as classy. Best in show for Syrah at the Decanter World Wine Awards. In summary - elegant and fine boned. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Dense and concentrated - this wine needs years and I erred in not decanting it not giving much on the nose initially. With time and vigorous swirling aromas of Violets Liquorice Lavender Peppercorns and uncooked Bacon always with the minerality of the vineyard - the Gimblett Gravels. On the palate powerful latent flavours with so much more to give. Generally recognised as probably the best Syrah in New Zealand and if not certainly in the conversation with Craggy Range. Listed in the 1001 Wines. Very difficult to source in Australia and I ended up visiting them in January 2017 in Hawkes Bay and getting on the mailing list. 94 points now but in 3 to 5 years 97 or 98. World class Syrah without doubt. — 3 years ago

Daniel Bello

9.0

Pepprigt & stenigt. Gott! — 5 years ago

Wulf Losee

9.1

2017 tasted 2020. Bananas and wildflowers on the nose! The scent is almost oily. Malolactic fermentation gives it a silky tannic feel on the top of the mouth. Slight hint of bananas and chalk on the end. A surprising long finish. Very nice. I’m a confirmed Chard hater, but this causes me to reconsider my prejudices. — 3 years ago

Ping chen

9.2

70nzd from villa maria estate 2018/11. Dark cherries. — 3 years ago

Jon Tringale

8.9

Deepburgendy color. Musty with citrus notes on the nose, followed by dark fruit on the mid taste and chocolate on the finish. Solid for the price point. — 5 years ago

Sam Scarpari

9.6

Totally love Gimblett Gravels Reds & this is one of them. Beautiful array of dark berry fruits, dark chocolate, a spec of bakery spices, a dash of savoury goodness and fresh silky tannins. — 3 years ago

Adrian Jongenelen

9.0

Good. Fruity. Not as deep as I like — 3 years ago

Matt Sterr

9.2

Amazingly aromatic. Violet flowers, dark earth. Complex, powerful and refined. — 4 years ago

Keith Crump

9.1

Needs shelf time — 5 years ago