Elephant Hill, Syrah, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2015

Syrah from three famed Hawke's Bay vineyards, including Gimblett Gravels co-fermented with 1% Viognier. It's lifted and perfumed, with really pretty primary black fruit aromas. The palate is inky, but the flavour is not as dark and brooding as you'd think - there's lots of sweet, warm oak spice and pure, rich plummy fruit backed by firm tannins and bright acidity, all enveloped in a silky, supple mouthfeel. Vibrant, refined and polished.

Distinct black pepper notes and some blackberry pâte de fruits, lifted and fresh. Concentrated fruits between sweet and savoury. Lingering, gently smoky, peppery finish. Supremely well made and well balanced, with beautiful varietal and terroir expression. Fine, gentle tannin and gentle but balanced acidity. Consistently one of the best Syrahs outside the Rhône.