(13% alcohol; made from Trinity Hill's oldest vines, best clones and lowest-yielding parcels, roughly 85% within Gimblett Gravels; the selection of material is made "at pruning time," according to Gibson, and the fruit "is not necessarily picked riper than the rest"; vinified with 50% whole clusters): Deep ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of blackberry and licorice; smells plush in the context of this set of wines but still scented and vibrant. Large-scaled, impressively dense and deep, with black fruit, licorice and spice flavors lifted by violet and mint elements; hints at superripe kirsch without coming across as porty. Conveys an impression of strong dry extract (actually around 31 grams per liter, according to Gibson). Really spreads out to saturate the entire palate without leaving any impression of weightiness. Very structured in a savory way. One of the elite Syrahs of New Zealand, this bottling was inaugurated in 2002 and is made in only the best years; it was not offered in 2012 or 2011.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Homage Syrah gives youthfully muted blackberry, cassis and red currant notes with a cracked black pepper, sandalwood, dried herb and soil laced undercurrent. Light to medium-bodied, it is wonderfully elegant and light-footed in the mouth with soft, rounded tannins and great freshness, finishing long and pepper-laced.

Tasted blind. Black and quite luscious-looking. Tarry and flattering on the nose. Edgy and racy. Cool finish. Not quite the follow-through but stringily interesting. Good life to it. Just a bit dead on the end. (JR)