Bob McDonald

9.5

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. — 6 months ago

Christian Jauslin

9.0

Intense overripe/jammy blackfruits, think black currant and blackberries. Black pepper, gamey, and a bit of baking spices also on the nose. This wine has seen some short period of time in new oak. On the palate, this wine is fruit forward with the ripe jammy blackfruit, with the pepper, game, and cinnamon/clove in the background. A generous lush mouthfeel with soft tannins and surprisingly light bodied and incredibly easy to drink. A pleasant young wine to be enjoyed whilst young. — 8 years ago

Frederick Kuehn

8.9

Good structure and flavors. Fruit, black pepper and well balanced. — 9 years ago