Vinoculation

The anticipated Hawkes Bay syrah nose of violets, white and black pepper and mulberry, but also a curious tomato leaf character as well. This leafiness develops further in the glass, alluding to syrah fruit picked at the earlier spectrum of its ripening window, reinforced by the lowish 13% alcohol.

In the mouth the acidity is prominent, with a palate of more white pepper and cherries. The texture is quite furry and fuzzy, as are the tannins, like a wine on a woollen jumper in dire need of some lint removal.

Despite verging on sourness, the acidity does give the palate some bounce and a lively juiciness to the fruit. It’s a pleasant wine, with a nice amalgam of sweet, savoury and sour, though don’t expect to be blown away. A wine that demands food and suited a roast lamb shoulder more than adequately.