I splashed out and bought two bottles of this wine based on three factors. The strength of the vintage, my general enthusiasm for Hawkes Bay syrah and the fact that I am a bit of a Pepperiste. I am a bit bigoted though in that I prefer it to be black rather than white.

Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, suede, five spice, lots of black pepper and cedar. Absolutely fabulous. On the palate medium bodied with well defined blackcurrant, raspberry and blackberry fruit, black pepper, five spice, licorice and cedar oak. Very cool but rich enough. Very fresh clean prominent acidity and tight fine grained tannins. Long five spice and pepper finish. Great stuff. I’m even more enthusiastic than a waiter with a big new pepper mill…

Rated : 94 Points
Tasted : Jul07
Alcohol : 13.5%
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2007 - 2015