Trinity Hill Syrah Hawkes Bay Homage 2016

97 points Rebecca Gibb, MW (Vinous): "You'll need deep pockets for this but you'll be rewarded: it is a deeply satisfying, rich yet elegant Syrah, opulently aromatic with abundant layers, from the deep, brooding spices, white pepper, smoky bacon and cloves to the pretty violets and blackberry fruits. Low yields are reflected in the dense concentration of fruit but it retains a lightness of touch. Silken in texture with chocolaty tannins coating the palate and a fine thread of acidity on the finish. There's no doubt that one-third whole-bunch fermentation has added to that sense of purpose. A fabulous example of what can be done with Syrah on Gimblett Gravels with love, care and attention. Drink: 2021-2031. (Mar 2021)"

95 points James Suckling: "This is a beautiful red with so much cracked black-pepper and lavender character to the dark fruit on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet vivid and driven with a clear line of acidity running through. Bright and delicious. Drink or hold. (4/2/19)"

94 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This premium Hawkes Bay Syrah, housed in an extremely heavy bottle, is a muscular wine set for many years of cellaring. Nevertheless it delivers a level drinkability now, and is, hence the name, a clear homage to the Northern Rhône. It's highly savory and herbal, delivering heaps of tomato leaf and pencil lead amid brambly berries, dried flowers and a whiff of campfire smoke. Tannins are finely structured, wound neatly around pristine fruit, the spice lingering on the long finish. Drink now with hearty autumnal fare until 2035. (May 2020)"

93 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "[$140 list] At this stage, the 2016 Homage Syrah shows a bit of stone fruit (apricot) character, alongside raspberry fruit and subtle hints of pencil shavings. This wine has become increasingly refined over the years, and the newest release is downright elegant compared to the big bruising style when the wine was first launched. It's medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lingering finish. Homage comes from the estate's oldest Syrah plantings on the Gimblett Gravels (1995 and 1999); it aged in predominantly new French oak barriques, although a portion spent time in a 50-hectoliter oval. Drink: 2019-2028. (Feb 2019)"