2010 Kusuda Syrah

Deep garnet-purple in color and replete with aromas of ripe mulberries, black currants and black cherries with suggestions of black pepper, bacon, tree bark and star anise, the medium-bodied 2010 Syrah offers just enough black fruit, savory and spicy flavors in the mouth and is supported by a low to medium level of rounded tannins, perky acid and a finish with good length. Drink it now to 2018+. No known USA importer.

2,764 bottles produced. Aged for 20 months in French barriques (27% new) and bottled after a coarse filtration but no fining. Mid to dark crimson (a very different colour from this producer's ethereal Pinots). Rich, meaty nose with black pepper notes. Succulent texture, bone dry, lightly salty but very fine tannins. Bold in the sense of how much care has obviously been taken. Great texture and not a jot of sweetness nor obvious oak. Was it the (coolish) vintage I love? Lightly sinewy but very beautiful and understated overall. Is there a subtler NZ Syrah in existence? (JR)