Le Sol Syrah, Craggy Range 2016

Le Sol, one of the country's most respected syrah labels, cracked through the NZD $100 barrier with the 2013 vintage and has continued to adjust the price in a northerly direction. This is the first vintage that a small amount (20% ) of whole bunches has been used in the fermentation. Nicely perfumed and typically dense, rich syrah with a lovely texture and firm, rounded tannins. Powerful yet elegant wine with plum, berry and mixed spice flavours together with an interesting savoury edge

Just 700 six packs were made of this wine in 2016, which now sees a reduced 35% new oak. A bright violet colour in the glass, this has great vivacity on the nose with blueberry, black pepper and floral cherry blossom. The spice here is subtle and integrated. The palate is glossy and extremely refined, with very fine tannins lining pure blue and black fruits. There is great vibrancy that comes in waves of bright acidity, which accents the peppery, spicy Syrah character in the wine. The finish is long, with just a touch of exotic star anise adding weight to the fruit.