Syrah

I'll start off by saying that I think less-than-ideal storage conditions marred this tasting with Kai. It's a struggle here really because I really like their Malaysian importer. I can understand the difficulties in maintaining an effective cold chain in Malaysia, so I sincerely hope this gets better.

Having said that, this was my favorite in Kai's line-up despite the slightly advanced wine. Good perfume, sporting smokey black fruits, herbs, spices, violets, and wood (which was a touch distracting). I felt the palate should have been livelier - dark-fruited, spicy, and earthy, with heavy charred notes permeating throughout. The finish has a lot fruit sweetness, with a lick of caramel and balsamic. Nice wine, though not one I'd actively seek.

To be frank I think too much oak was used here, but not in the same liberty as in Barossa Shiraz. It's more like Guigal vs Gonon... maybe that's a bit extreme... Jamet vs Gonon... though not quite right still. I like Kai, but I gotta follow my palate at times like this.

Stunning Syrah

Great purity of fruit and there's an obvious nod towards Northern Rhone here as well. Sadly the oak treatment covers some of the finer elements, but still a very nice drink.

In honour of Bob's 80th birthday today we opened a magnum of our first vintage in NZ, the 1999 Syrah that Bob planted in 1989. Happy birthday, Bob and we shall open the double magnum with you on your 90th!! Of course 10 out of 10! 😜

In half bottle & kept really well

18.5/20 (96/100) очень красиво, Шираз имитирующий Бургундию, прекрасно

Raisiny

(15/20) Аромат незрелой вишни и зелёного перца. Довольно высокая кислотность и незрелые, суховатые танины. Простое, в целом, без дефектов.

Black pepper Aroma

Vin Cognito