Bilancia La Collina Syrah 2004We had this at dinner last night at a local Italian restaurant. Not the most formal of tasting environments but I will write it up anyway. It was served alongside a 91 Muga Gran Reserva and 00 Prunotto Barbaresco. Good company (the wines at least).

Intensely peppery with pepper steak spread, blackberry essence, dried herbs, flowers, apricot and vanilla bean. One taster noted a distinct whiff of bandages. On the palate very tight with firm smooth grained tannins. Medium to full bodied but not heavy.There are flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, sweet dried herbs, pepper, meat and vanilla bean. Finishes dry with meaty peppery flavours. Ideally I would like to get this in a decanter and a dirty great big Riedel glass in order to do the right thing by the wine. Maybe I will. I should. I’d also note that if you don’t like peppery wines then steer well clear of this because there is more pepper floating about here than at a convention for demented Italian waiters. All in all a very enjoyable wine.

Rated : 93 Points
Tasted : Feb07
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $90
Closure : Diam
Drink : 2009 - 2014+
Source : North Sydney Cellars
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