Frenchmans Hill Estate Rock Earth Syrah 2015, Waiheke Island

Rich dark purple hues with a crimson and pink rim lead to aromas of equally rich and dark red skinned fruits, clove and vanilla spices of toasty new French oak and fresh peppery olive and tobacco notes. Varietal, fresh, youthful and intensely scented. On the palate - equally bold and rich with flavours of black - black currant, dark raspberry, toasty wood spice flavours and stony earthy layers. The peppery-ness follows with a hint of mint then firm, ripe tannins backed up by the oak flavours, medium+ acidity with a deliberate focus and concentration. Complex, youthful, still developing, but also drinkable today - if decanted. Well made and definitely a cellar consideration.

95 Points