2020 Smith and Sheth Heretaunga Syrah

"Dense, ripe, complex syrah with cassis, blackcurrant, plum, liquorice, black pepper and spicy oak flavours. Surprisingly accessible for such a youthful and concentrated wine, although I have no doubt that the wine will develop well with bottle age. 01 SEP 2022." Drink 2022 - 2035

"Offering brilliant fruit purity with gorgeous complexity, the wine shows dark berry, floral, vanilla, subtle spice and roasted almond characters. It's concentrated and flowing on the palate, displaying deliciously ripe fruit flavours together with refined mouthfeel and seamlessly woven tannins. Poised and harmonious with excellent structure, ensuring its gradual evolvement. From the Gimblett Gravels. At its best: 2025 to 2039. $40.00. www.smithandsheth.com. March 2021."

"Intensely varietal and fruity with a core of ripe raspberry and red currant fruit then white peppercorn scents, no mistaking the layer of fresh toasty new oak with baking spices, bacon and toasty barrel aromas. Complex with a stony mineral layer and inviting bouquet. On the palate - firm, tense, youthful with a core of fruit and oak tension, flavours of dark berries, raspberry and plum, there’s a spicy toasty, an aged meat layer and salty peppercorn. Firm tannins and acidity remind me this is a youthful example and not yet ready. Long finish, persistent and fresh. Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030."