2016 Trinity Hill "Homage" Syrah Hawke's Bay

“Dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim. The nose is softly full and voluminous with a very deep and finely with concentrated core with an array of aromatics, showing beautifully ripened blackberry fruit entwined with dark raspberries, harmoniously layered with an array of dark-red and violet florals, together with exotic Asian spice elements, nuances of dark herbs, and a suggestion of black pepper. This has an amazing range of fragrances and aromatics that are expressed without showiness, but plenty of style and harmony. Medium-bodied, the palate is mouthfilling with refined, plush and sweetly rich, ripe and succulent fruit flavours of blackberries and dark raspberries, hints of plums and liquorice , unfolding layers of dark-red and violet florals with exotic spices. This is multi-dimensional and multi-faceted in expression. The fruit is supported by the very finest powdery tannins, but with considerable extract, structure and presence, but is is no way overbearing. The acidity is harmoniously integrated, and the wine carries to a sustained finish of richness. This is a beautifully harmonious and multi-dimensional and complex detailed Syrah of great beauty, finesse and fragrance. Match with the best lamb, beef and venison dishes over the next 10-15 years. 100% Syrah, predominantly MS clone from 20 y.o. vines in the Gimblett Gravels with the inclusion of a small amount of new clone material from hillside plantings behind the winery on Roys Hill...” (11/2018)

“This premium Hawkes Bay Syrah, housed in an extremely heavy bottle, is a muscular wine set for many years of cellaring. Nevertheless it delivers a level drinkability now, and is, hence the name, a clear homage to the Northern Rhône. It's highly savory and herbal, delivering heaps of tomato leaf and pencil lead amid brambly berries, dried flowers and a whiff of campfire smoke. Tannins are finely structured, wound neatly around pristine fruit, the spice lingering on the long finish. Drink now with hearty autumnal fare until 2035” (10/2018)

“Rich, Christmas cake aroma with dried fruits, plum, spice and sappy characters on the palate. An intense and powerful syrah that clearly needs plenty of bottle age before it eases into second gear. Slightly closed and hard to read at this stage. A pre-release sample that will be reviewed again when it is on the market. *Five Stars*” (07/2018)

“You'll need deep pockets for this but you'll be rewarded: it is a deeply satisfying, rich yet elegant Syrah, opulently aromatic with abundant layers, from the deep, brooding spices, white pepper, smoky bacon and cloves to the pretty violets and blackberry fruits. Low yields are reflected in the dense concentration of fruit but it retains a lightness of touch. Silken in texture with chocolaty tannins coating the palate and a fine thread of acidity on the finish. There's no doubt that one-third whole-bunch fermentation has added to that sense of purpose. A fabulous example of what can be done with Syrah on Gimblett Gravels with love, care and attention. (RG)” (12/2020)

“This is a beautiful red with so much cracked black-pepper and lavender character to the dark fruit on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet vivid and driven with a clear line of acidity running through. Bright and delicious.” (12/2018)

“This premium Hawkes Bay Syrah, housed in an extremely heavy bottle, is a muscular wine set for many years of cellaring. Nevertheless it delivers a level drinkability now, and is, hence the name, a clear homage to the Northern Rhône. It's highly savory and herbal, delivering heaps of tomato leaf and pencil lead amid brambly berries, dried flowers and a whiff of campfire smoke. Tannins are finely structured, wound neatly around pristine fruit, the spice lingering on the long finish. Drink now with hearty autumnal fare until 2035. *Cellar Selection* (CP)” (05/2020)

“At this stage, the 2016 Homage Syrah shows a bit of stone fruit (apricot) character, alongside raspberry fruit and subtle hints of pencil shavings. This wine has become increasingly refined over the years, and the newest release is downright elegant compared to the big bruising style when the wine was first launched. It's medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lingering finish. Homage comes from the estate's oldest Syrah plantings on the Gimblett Gravels (1995 and 1999); it aged in predominantly new French oak barriques, although a portion spent time in a 50-hectoliter oval. (JC)” (02/2019)

“Bold and stylish, with white pepper and dried lavender accents to the velvety blueberry and plum flavors. Hints of black licorice, Earl Grey tea and white truffle linger on the long finish. The polished tannins never get in the way. Drink now through 2033. (MW)” (09/2019)