Trinity Hill
Homage Syrah
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
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.
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.
Jun 20th, 2024
Dense and concentrated black fruit, garrigue and meat soaked with black pepper...powerful mind, not meant for sipping pool side. Acid astonishing...gimblett gravels producing some impactful wine...
Dense and concentrated black fruit, garrigue and meat soaked with black pepper...powerful mind, not meant for sipping pool side. Acid astonishing...gimblett gravels producing some impactful wine...
Jun 25th, 2019Dense 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.
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.
Mar 2nd, 2019
smoky with nice violets white pepper and oak spice. bit too much of the latter for, but supposedly Spielberg adores it. 🤔
smoky with nice violets white pepper and oak spice. bit too much of the latter for, but supposedly Spielberg adores it. 🤔
1 person found it helpfulJun 11th, 2016
Shockingly great. I would've never expected this. Silky tannins, intense yet velvet like, tons of structure and not a hint of heat. Bravo!
Shockingly great. I would've never expected this. Silky tannins, intense yet velvet like, tons of structure and not a hint of heat. Bravo!
1 person found it helpfulJan 30th, 2016
Impressive display of the region and varietal spin. Classic NZ acidity. JS98 100cases
Impressive display of the region and varietal spin. Classic NZ acidity. JS98 100cases
1 person found it helpfulMar 20th, 20155 more please!
5 more please!
1 person found it helpfulMar 19th, 2014
On the nose, lavender, violets, ripe creamy fruits of; blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black cherries. The fruits are ripe and very juicy and match the nose. Black licorice, soft leather, crushed stones, dark rich soils, violets, caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, nice acidity and finishes with medium dry tannins and ripe fruits. A big thank you to Micheal the CEO for such a great tour of their vineyards, all his time, knowledge and superb hospitality!
On the nose, lavender, violets, ripe creamy fruits of; blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black cherries. The fruits are ripe and very juicy and match the nose. Black licorice, soft leather, crushed stones, dark rich soils, violets, caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, nice acidity and finishes with medium dry tannins and ripe fruits. A big thank you to Micheal the CEO for such a great tour of their vineyards, all his time, knowledge and superb hospitality!
Apr 26th, 2017On the nose, crack pepper, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries & violets. On the palate, M+ powdery tannins, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, wood shavings, violets, dry crushed rocks, leather, tarry notes, black cherry cola, black licorice & black pepper. The fruits are certainly better quality/riper in their "Homage." The finish has sticky/meaty tannins, good acidity, nice spice and ripe fruits.
On the nose, crack pepper, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries & violets. On the palate, M+ powdery tannins, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, wood shavings, violets, dry crushed rocks, leather, tarry notes, black cherry cola, black licorice & black pepper. The fruits are certainly better quality/riper in their "Homage." The finish has sticky/meaty tannins, good acidity, nice spice and ripe fruits.
Apr 26th, 2017minty, smoky meat. Bacon fat, peppermint, chocolate. Very powerful but also graceful. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Fullish, tannic, 13.5. French oak, small barrel (moved to 5000l in 2014) for 18 months. Name from Johns experience at Jaboulet in Rhone. A lot of grip. Lightly charred, tarry.
minty, smoky meat. Bacon fat, peppermint, chocolate. Very powerful but also graceful. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Fullish, tannic, 13.5. French oak, small barrel (moved to 5000l in 2014) for 18 months. Name from Johns experience at Jaboulet in Rhone. A lot of grip. Lightly charred, tarry.
Jun 16th, 2015