Anthony Joseph Vidal Reserve Syrah 2015,
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark ruby
and purple core, almost translucent and a youthful fuchsia rim.
Aromas of
ripe berry and currant fruits with black currant, dark raspberry, plum and
baked berry pie; floral and oaky with scents of clove and vanilla spice, some
light smoky tones and whole berry perfumes, youthful and vibrant overall. On
the palate – tense, youthful, fresh, packed with the flavours of red fruits
described above; firm youthful tannins and a back bone of acidity hold all
these components together. A long and vibrant, light peppery finish. Poised for
time in cellar. Decant for service. Best drinking from 2019 through 2029.
94 points
Ka Tahi Wines ‘Rangatira’ Reserve Syrah 2015,
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Ruby core
with purple hues and a pink rim.
Aromas of
dark berries and smoky wood with suggestions of clove and bacon, dark plum,
black currant and a mix of dark berries, some peppery spice adding depth and
varietal lift. On the palate – dark berries, marmite, toasty, spicy and woody; flavours
of dark brown spices, some aged meat and dark florals. Abundant and quite rich
tannins with a mix of dusty and chalky textures, plenty of acidity and
concentrated core. Lengthy finish with a haunting iron note. Decant for
service. Best drinking from late 2018 through 2028.
93 Points
Trinity Hill Syrah 2015, Gimblett Gravels,
Hawkes Bay
Darkish
purple and ruby core with a bright pink rim.
Aromas of
dark berries and spices laced with wood scents; Blue berry and black currant
with Doris plum and blackberry; distinctive smoky wood tones laced with clove,
bay leaf and Tahitian vanilla, pepper tones and dark broody violet moments. On
the palate – very engaging with a core of acidity, tannins, fruit and wood all
jostling for attention; lenthy finish, still very youthful and needs cellar
time. Decant for service. Best from 2020 through 2030+
96 Points
Craggy Range ‘Le Sol’ Syrah 2015, Gimblett
Gravels, Hawkes Bay
A core of
dark purple, opaque almost to the rim where is changes to a youthful pinl hue.
Aromas of
dark berries, brown and black spices, no mistaking the oak, very fruity and
concentrated; a powerful bouquet that envelopes the senses and slowly unfurls
in the glass revealing violets and black currant, Kalamata olive and toast. On
the palate – as complex as the bouquet suggests with dark spicy black and blue
fruit flavours, violet and dark rose, velvet tannins, abundant acidity,
concentrated and long. A delicious dry wine. Drink now if you must so long as
the wine is decanted first. Best from 2019 through 2029++.
96 Points
Sacred
Hill ‘Deerstalkers’ Syrah 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
A core of dark purple and ruby with a ruby and pink rim.
A bouquet of texture and high energy with aromas of wild violet flowers dark
berries and black currant, pepper spice, bitter chocolate, animal, meat, field
mushroom and baked red fruits pie; complex though quite youthful as well. On
the palate - youthful, a core of dark berry fruits, baking spices, oak and
peppercorn flavours, some olive notes and ageing meats; noticeable tannin, very
noticeable acidity, medium+ weight, lengthy finish and dry. A must cellar
example. Decant for service from now and through 2020. Best from 2020 through
2035.
95 Points
Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Opaque
dark purple core with dark ruby hues and very pink rim
Aromas
include smoked black berry and plum, herbs de Provence and bay leaf, sweet hay
and some tobacco tones, cacao and violets. On the palate – very engaging with a
core of dark berry fruits challenged by abundant, firm tannins and acidity,
long and winding finish highlighting wood tones, smoky wood and baking spices
and a lengthy complex finish. Decant for service. Best drinking from 2020 through
2035.
96 points
Stonecroft Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Gimblett
Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark
ruby, purple and blood red core with a bright pinkish rim
Aromas of
blackberry, dried herb, Cuban cigar, smoky wood spices, dark chocolate, some
violet floral moments and overall concentrated core. On the palate – pretty
powerful and concentrated with flavours of dark berry fruits and preserved
plum, dried herb and tobacco; a violet floral layer returns. Firm youthful
tannins and a back bone of acidity. Bold and attention seeking textures and
flavours, youthful, lengthy and memorable. Decant for service, Best drinking
from 2021 through 2035+.
96 Points
Babich ‘The Patriarch’ Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Malbec 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark
purple core, almost opaque, purple hues to the rim with a light pink edge.
Aromas of
dark berries, dark olives, hay and herbs, smoky wood tones, chocolate and dark
spices including clove and vanilla; complex and youthful. On the palate – equally complex and loaded with flavours of
sweet dark berries, marmite, clove, dark olive, dusty powdery tannins and
balancing acidity. A lovely wine with a violet floral edge and long finish.
Decant for service. Best drinking from 2019 through 2030.
95 Points
Babich ‘Irongate’ Cabernet, Merlot, Franc 2015,
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark ruby
and purple core with a ruby hue and pink rim
Aromas
violets, stony earth, dark berries and Doris plum, brown spices and woody
tones. A steely haunting core add complexity and charm. On the palate – frim,
dry, fruity and complex with flavours of violets and dark berries, cacao and
brown baking spices; fine to moderately textured tannins, medium+ acidity and
lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2026.
94 Points
Sacred Hill ‘Brokenstone’ Merlot/Cabernet
Sauvignon/Syrah/Cabernet Franc 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark core
of purple and ruby persistent to the rim with a light pink edge.
Aromas of
ripe, punchy, crunchy, fresh and dark red berry fruits including blackberry and
blueberry, some Doris plum and blackcurrant suggestions, some obvious dark
berry spices with clove, vanilla then peppercorn. On the palate – youthful,
fresh, crunchy and vibrant with flavours that reflect the nose – dark berry
fruits with ripe and tart moments; medium+ acidity and tannins to match;
lengthy dry finish. Loads of ageing potential if stored properly. Decant for
service. Best from 2019 through 2029+
93 Points
Te Awa Single Estate Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Dark
purple and ruby core persistent to the rim with a bright ruby edge.
Aromas of
sweet ripe red and black berry fruits with baked raspberry, blackberry, sweet
plum and red currant wine gums, a floral ethereal layer then a sandy mineral
undercurrent; complex. On the palate – juicy, fleshy, ripe, spicy and fruity;
flavours reflect the nose; firm to fine tannins and medium+ acidity; a mix of
light dried herb and olive, lengthy and engaging finish, great balance. Decant
for service. Best from 2019 through 2029+.
93 Points
Mission Estate Winery Barrique Reserve Cabernet
Merlot 2015, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Opaque
core with dark purple fading to the ruby pink rim.
Aromas of
smoky dark berry fruits with blackberry and Doris plum, a bacon-like oak note
and brown baking spices, complex and intriguing, youthful and floral. On the
palate – dry, firm, youthful, fruity, plenty of tannins and acidity. A core of
black and plum fruits contrasted by the texture and urgency of the acidity and
tannins. Lengthy finish, very youthful. Decant for service. Best from 2020
through 2030+.
95 Points
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