Bilancia Syrah, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

天秤酒莊西拉紅葡萄酒

點擊次數(shù)：4479

Co-fermented with a “small percentage’ of Viognier, the 2011 Syrah was aged in French barriques (40% new) for 10 months. It shows a deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black cherry, cassis and black berry with hints of black pepper, Provence herbs, anise and loam. Light to medium bodied, tight-knit and a little lean in the mouth, it has a refreshing acid line and a long pepper-laced finish. Drink it now to 2019. Importer: Ronnie Sanders, Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; Tel: (215) 533 9464

Co-fermented with approximately 3% Viognier and aged in French barriques (40% new) for 16 months, the 2010 Syrah has a deep garnet-purple color and notes of ripe black berries and black cherries over nuances of pepper, tar, charcoal and licorice. Medium to full bodied, it offers a good mouthful of ripe, expressive fruit with medium to firm grainy tannins and crisp acid to support, finishing long. Delicious now, it should drink to 2019+. Importer: Ronnie Sanders, Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; Tel: (215) 533 9464

Sourced mainly from two sites on the Gimblett Gravels with around 15% from La Collina, the 2008 Syrah has a very fine bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, powdered chocolate, thyme and a touch of white pepper all with immense clarity. There is a soft entry on the palate that is imbued with rounded, almost plush tannins. It is lower in acidity than I expected, though the finish is generous with peppery black fruit, complemented by Morello cherry and dried lemon peel. If I were to quibble, the end is lacking a little cohesion and grip but otherwise this is very fine. Drink 2011-2016. Warren Gibson is one of Hawkes Bay’s most thoughtful, artisan producers. His Collina Syrah is one of New Zealand’s finest and I suspect will be one of its most long-lived wines. The 2007 was racked less than previous vintages as Warren feels that the wine prefers less intervention. In 2008, his small portfolio is joined by a La Collina white, a wine that should appease those hankering after a Southern Rhone, whilst the Reserve Pinot Gris is made in a slightly drier style that is a refreshing change from the many left with excessive residual sugar to appease the masses.