2012 Trinity Hill, Gimblett Gravels Syrah, Hawkes Bay
Tasted: Zagreb, February 2016, Hawkes Bay is one of the oldest wine regions in New Zealand and still considered one of the best.
The Gimblett Gravels is a distinctive sub-region in Hawkes Bay, highly sought for its free draining, deep gravel soils. The ability to control vine vigour by reducing soil moisture produces small yields with concentrated flavours and aromas. The region is therefore well known for the quality of its wines, especially reds made from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
The Trinity Hill estate was one of the first to plant grapes on the Gimblett Gravels in 1993. 2012 was a cool and late season in Hawkes Bay, resulting in wines with marked freshness and vibrancy of fruit.
Appearance: clear, deep ruby.
Nose: clean, with fairly pronounced aromas of juicy fruit: blackberry, sour cherry, pepper. Well integrated oak. Tertirary notes: leather, tobacco, game.
Palate: dry, medium to high acidity, medium alcohol, medium to full body and tannins as well as flavour intensity: juicy fruit (sour cherries, blackberry), vanilla, caramel, meat, tobacco. The flavours linger on the palate towards a long finish.
A very good wine that can be drunk now but also has potential for ageing.
Price: 175 kn
Score: 90/100