ROCK EARTH SYRAH 2013

Notes:  A 100% Syrah named after our rocky soils on Waiheke coastal single site “The 8 Vineyard". Hand-tended vines, tiny crop yields and a masterful combination of 6 "class A" syrah clones, combine to produce a rich, elegant and complex wine that proudly expresses this unique and spiritual piece of earth. 16 months in 75% new French barriques. Unfined and minimally filtered. Symbolic of a stable home and protective place. An expression of this great earth. Influenced by the great Cote Rotie in the northern Rhone valley where Luc studied and worked.

Cellar at 13-15 ºC. Drink: 2018 – 2028.

Alcohol: 14.0%

Varietal: Syrah

Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Accolades:
96/100 – Bob Campbell MW
“Rich, intense, almost luscious syrah with ripe blackberry, cassis, vanilla, pepper, spice, anise and classy oak flavours. A concentrated wine that keeps revealing different nuances of flavour on its lingering finish. Should develop well with bottle age.” – Bob Campbell MW

5 stars – Michael Cooper
“The beautiful 2013 vintage was estate-grown in The 8 Vineyard and matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (60 per cent new). Set to flourish for a decade, it is finely scented and deeply coloured, with substantial body, dense, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of licorice, very fine-grained tannins, and lovely richness and harmony.” – Michael Cooper

95/100 - Cameron Douglas MS. There’s no mistaking the power and concentration in the bouquet with aromas of dark berries and coco, dark brown spices and smoke of toasty barrel. Aromas of clove, rocks, old roses and pepper are varietal attributes which add to the complexity. On the palate - intense, peppery, toasty and fruity. Flavours of roasted raspberry and black pepper, coco and clove, dried herb and sun-warmed stone, black currant and dark roses. Tannins are abundant, ripe, mostly oak led, but lush; plus fine textured fruit tannins making an equally bold statement. This wine is youthful, concentrated, varietal and well made. Must be decanted for service. Best drinking likely from 2022 through 2028+.