2015 Dry River Syrah Lovat Vineyard

Dry River`s 2015 Lovat Vineyard Syrah is a dark-hued beauty, redolent of cola, espresso and boysenberries. Medium-bodied, it`s firm but ripe, showing ample depth and richness on the palate and a long, mocha-tinged and softly dusty finish. It should drink well for a decade or more. 92 points

Wilco Lam (chief winemaker) describes Syrah’s arrival to New Zealand as, ‘a magnificent story: back in the 1850s Busby came to New Zealand en route to Australia and accidentally dropped off some Syrah cuttings. Alan Limmer of Stonecroft recognised this was something special and planted in Hawke`s Bay and it then spread from there. It only just ripens in Martinborough. Need to manicure the vines.’ Syrah was heavily affected by the winds of 2015. Limited to lower bunches so had a 75% crop loss. Serine clone used and Neil says it performs much better than other more recent clones in France. pH 3.6, TA 5.8 g/l. Pretty dark, intense crimson. Correct, fresh, a bit tough on the palate. Ungenerous. Wait! 16+ points