2007 Trinity Hill Homage Syrah

9% Viognier. Very deep crimson. Very scented and luscious. Lovely refreshment. Wonderful balance. Great integrity. (JR)

6% Viognier. NZ’s most awarded Syrah, but then probably the only one in this line up that’s entered in wine shows. Inky liquorice. Black fruits and some pepper. A bit tighter on the finish – less glossy. More modern and correct, less flattering. Good but not ethereal. (JR)

The 2007 Homage is sourced from vines planted in 1994 and cropped at 17hl/ha and matured for 18 months in French barriques. It has a very intense nose of macerated dark cherries, plum, tar and liquorices. Good definition. The palate is full-bodied, slightly “cooler” than the 2006, good acidity, very well balanced, the new oak very well integrated into the fabric of the wine. Nice grip, very toasty with layers of pure fruit underneath and the minerality showing through more on the aftertaste. It requires 4-5 years in bottle, but the focus is wonderful. A strong and diverse portfolio of wines from one of Hawkes Bay’s most prominent producers. Importer: Via Pacifica Selections, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (800) 823-5545; fax (707) 823-3393