Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2014

Winemaking:

Grapes were hand-harvested from a range of individual sites and clones and then fermented separately before blending post-fermentation. A range of maceration periods allowed for increased complexity. 20% whole bunches were included in the fermentations which contribute to freshness, aromatics and structure. A small percentage of Viognier (3% in total) was included in some batches to further add complexity and texture. The wine was aged for 14 months in a mixture of new and older French oak 228 litre barriques plus larger 5000 litre-oak ovals. This barrel ageing regime includes stirring of the lees and very minimal racking.

Awards:

Sam Kim - 100 Points

The 2014 Homage is beautifully floral with interwoven berry purity and oak sophistication. This is a darker fruited vintage with brambly, blackberry notes dominating the aromatics. There is a dimension of florality and seamlessness coming from increased vine age and the presence of whole bunch fermentation. 2014 has produced a wine that is very powerful and fragrant. The wine shows great concentration and weight with a very crucial elegance. The structure is tight and tense which will allow the wine to age gracefully for many years (10+).

Bob Campbell - 99 Points

Dense, powerful and obviously youthful syrah with very concentrated dark berry, dried fruit, powdered chocolate, spice, anise and very subtle violet flavours. This is an exciting wine that has obviously been built to last but can still be appreciated even at this early stage of its potentially long life. It is, quite simply, the best Homage I have tasted.

James Suckling - 98 Points

A beautifully articulated edition of this Hawke's Bay syrah that is loaded with potential. It's a strong vintage that has been cleverly crafted into a thoroughbred wine, packed with spicy and complex interest on the nose: blackberries, cloves, anise, pepper, some dark stony notes and crushed purple flowers. The palate builds smoothly in layers of succulently flavorsome, fine tannins that deliver a seamless array of dark-plum and blackberry flavors. Still frisky and full of youthful, snappy appeal. Best from 2020.

Wine & Spirits - 93 Points

John Hancock, a founding partner in Trinity Hill, worked harvest with Gérard Jaboulet in the Rhône in 1996. Jaboulet gave him syrah cuttings from La Chapelle, and viognier cuttings from Les Jumelles, which Hancock propagated and planted in Gimblett Gravels, forming the basis of his top wine. Warren Gibson made this 2014, fermenting 40 percent of the lot as whole clusters, with foot treading. It’s the ninth release of Homage, a substantial syrah leavened by the black peppercorn spice of viognier even as it blankets the palate with purple-fruited intensity. The wine’s precision shows as it opens with air, gaining shape and structure. Built to cellar.

Wine Spectator - 92 Points

Rich, black pepper-laced notes of wild blackberry are thick and dense, with plenty of verve and intensity on the finish, where a hint of black tea comes in. Drink now through 2027.

Robert Parker - 91 Points

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Homage Syrah is profoundly scented of black currants, black plums and blueberries with underlying suggestions of Sichuan pepper, Indian spices, cloves, anise and violets. Medium bodied and elegantly styled in the mouth, it has a solid frame of chewy tannins and lively acid supporting the intense black berry and exotic spice flavors, finishing with great persistence.