Frenchmans Hill Estate Rock Earth Syrah 2014, Waiheke Island

A bouquet that smells complete, a distinctive aromatic presence of dark almost broody even angry red berries - cherries and raspberry, dark plums and spices, a haunting almost steely core, dried herb and sweet tobacco. Complex and seductive. On the palate - fruity, ripe, toasty, rich, powerful and a bold statement of Syrah. Pepper and black olive, raspberry and black currant, ripe plum and clove-sweet oak. Young, still developing, but also drinkable today. Cellar upon purchase with best drinking from 2022 through 2028.

96 Points