Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah, Hawkes Bay The lions share of Trinity Hills grapes comes from the Gimblett Gravels region, in the lee of Roys Hill. The gravelly soils were left behind by the Ngaruroro River as it changed course over time. The low fertility soils offer little kindness to the vines, forcing them to work and work to produce small crops of great flavour and aromatic concentration. The low fertility soils offer little kindness to the vines, forcing them to work and work to produce small crops of great flavour and aromatic concentration.

Exceptionally potent and powerful, initially giving the (false) impression its alcohol is more than 14%. Retasting brings it back into perspective, the two varieties bonded, yet each preserving its varietal integrity and structural architecture. A classic Australian blend of exceptional quality, destined to outlive most who taste it.

Sourced from a vineyard nestled in the foothills of the cool southern vales of the Yarra Valley where the grey loam soils show seams of deep red volcanic clay, the 2015 Seville syrah is handpicked, fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches and receives no additions other than a small amount of sulphur dioxide at picking and bottling. It is then aged in older French barrels before being bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Brothers at War Single Vineyard Eden Valley Syrah The fruit for this single-vineyard Syrah comes from 80+-year-old vines from the Wardlaws Eden Valley Pendee Farm vineyard. This small parcel of Eden Valley Syrah is handpicked and the fruit is mostly destemmed, though not crushed, into a one-tonne open-top fermenter with 30% whole bunch clusters. The fruit is kept cool for five days before being allowed to warm up naturally and start the fermentation process. The wine is then hand plunged twice daily for three weeks before being pressed to French oak puncheons (40% new) and aged on lees for 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration.

Ripe plums, spice, compote, and fresh ripe blackberries on the nose. A lively, strikingly astute entry on the palate, with flavours of fresh, ripe berries enhanced by hints of spice and clove. The flow is calm and even with effortless tannins.

Pinot Noir and Meunier give the Altair power and riper red fruit aromas, and citrus lift and finesse from the Chardonnay. The addition of multi-vintage reserve wines adds depth and complexity. The fine, creamy mousse complements the peach and citrus characters. Bottle fermented and aged before a low dosage is added to balance the texture and acidity of the wine. Deviation Road produces exciting cool climate wines from mature vineyard resources in the Adelaide Hills. Owners Hamish and Kate Laurie continue a five-generation winemaking tradition. Devoted to the high-altitude sites of the Adelaide Hills and with Kate’s French oenology training, the wines they produce are both traditional and contemporary.