Frenchmans Hill Estate
Rock Earth Syrah 2014 750ml

A 100% Syrah named after our rocky soils on Waiheke coastal single site “The 8 Vineyard". Hand-tended vines, tiny crop yields and a masterful combination of 6 "class A" syrah clones, combine to produce a rich, elegant and complex wine that proudly expresses this unique and spiritual piece of earth. 16 months in 75% new French barriques. Unfined and minimally filtered. Symbolic of a stable home and protective place. An expression of this great earth. Influenced by the great Cote Rotie in the northern Rhone valley where Luc studied and worked.

Cellar at 13-15 ºC. Drink: 2018 – 2028.

Alcohol: 14.0%

Varietal: Syrah

Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Accolades:

96/100 – Bob Campbell MW

“Deep and moderately dense syrah with cassis, red-fleshed plum, pepper and chocolate/mocha flavours. Intense wine with a core of sweet fruit that's nicely restrained by fine, ripe tannins and mouth-watering acidity. A delicious wine with a promising future.” – Bob Campbell MW

5 stars – Michael Cooper

“The beautiful 2013 vintage was estate-grown in The 8 Vineyard and matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (60 per cent new). Set to flourish for a decade, it is finely scented and deeply coloured, with substantial body, dense, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of licorice, very fine-grained tannins, and lovely richness and harmony.” – Michael Cooper