2010 Syrah, Kusuda Wines, Martinborough
"2,764 bottles produced. Aged for 20 months in French barriques (27% new) and bottled after a coarse filtration but no fining. Mid to dark crimson (a very different colour from this producer's ethereal Pinots). Rich, meaty nose with black pepper notes. Succulent texture, bone dry, lightly salty but very fine tannins. Bold in the sense of how much care has obviously been taken. Great texture and not a jot of sweetness nor obvious oak. Was it the (coolish) vintage I love? Lightly sinewy but very beautiful and understated overall. Is there a subtler NZ Syrah in existence?" (18/20 Jancis Robinson)