Initially oaky notes which blew off after a while. Black and blue fruits, a gingery note with stacks of black pepper. A genuine cool climate Syrah - possibly NZ’s premium Syrah and certainly one of my favourite Syrahs. Black pepper and spice bordering on profound palate intensity. Very northern Rhone - excellent. I don’t know how available this is overseas but it’s worth seeking out. An interesting back story: The winemaker, John Hancock, who worked the harvest at Jaboulet in 1996 received Syrah cuttings from the Hermitage Hill as a gift from Gerard Jaboulet. Hancock planted them in 2001 and now, in good vintages, uses the fruit for Homage. Scents of potpourri, lavender and wild thyme “. I totally agree. — 4 months ago
I haven’t had this wine since the late 2000’s.
As good as I remember it.
#Nostalgia — 2 years ago
v21. As soon as you open , pour and sniff…imagine crushing a bunch of Cabernet grapes in your hand in the barrel room of a winery, this is the smell you get opening this wine! This wine consistently over delivers.
Nose evolves to soft tobacco.
Luscious, juicy blackberry fruit. Smooth, spicy, velvety, chocolate finish. Great entertaining wine! — 2 months ago
Really enjoyed this - had with Chipotle tacos — 5 months ago
Light bodied but had some tannin hiding in the back. Wonder if they did some whole cluster fermentation. — 2 months ago
Was worth the wait — 2 months ago
At Harold’s house — 3 years ago
ESF
Fun wine, extended skin contact - looks like a Rose and tasted like one too: mix between tart red fruit & savory notes, some potpourri, fairly exotic. Palate was bit more austere, open canvas for variety of light fare. We had huge salad w/smoked salmon and it was fantastic. Balanced and dry finish, go find some Georgian wine! — 2 months ago