Frenchmans Hill Expatrius Syrah 2013

Accolades:
95/100 – Cameron Douglas MS
5 stars – Michael Cooper

“Bold, expressive, a core of fruit, toasty and smoky bouquet, complex and distinctive. Equally impressive on the palate with flavours of dark raspberry and powdered black pepper, spiced meats and berries. Plenty of tannin and acidity along with wood form a great foundation for the core of fruit. Well made, youthful and primary still with great length. Drinking best from day of purchase and through 2027+.” – Cameron Douglas MS

“Grown on an ‘elevated coastal headland’, the 2013 vintage was matured in new French oak barrels for 15 months. Deep and bright in colour, it is sturdy (14 per cent alcohol), youthful and very finely textured, with generous, ripe, plummy, gently spicy flavours, fine-grained tannins and obvious potential. Showing great harmony, it’s already delicious, but should be at its best 2018 onwards.” – Michael Cooper

Tasting Note: “100% coastal single site Waiheke Island. Said to be the place from whence depart the spirits into “the great darkness”. A sacred place where these vines have often struggled to survive. Magnificent complexity and finesse. Dedicated to my sisters Christina and Isabella. Tribute to the love of ones homeland and to those who travelled away from homeland carrying the vines with them. Wine grown on unique site with limited volumes.” – Winemaker’s Notes

Alcohol: 14.4%

Varietal: Syrah

Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand