Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah 2018

Cameron Douglas MS writes "Fine, varietal, complex and pure fruited bouquet. Aromas and flavours of red licorice and raspberry, some black currant then soft smoky barrel spices and a touch of powdered pepper. Dry on the palate with a mix of firm and fine tannins with a polished fine mouthfeel, a back bone of acidity carrying flavours of fruits and spices as well as some olive and fried herb. Flavours of barrel and lees gain intensity with each sip, carrying fruit and non-fruit flavours seamlessly. Wonderfully balanced with a core for fruit, salivating textures and lengthy finish."

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews writes "Deep ruby-red with a black hue, lighter on edge, youthful in appearance. The nose is elegant, with power, gently filling the glass with aromas of black plums, blackberries, melded with an amalgam of spices, black pepper, cinnamon, star anise, unfolding cedar and meaty nuances. Full-bodied, aromas of black plums and blackberries have depth and concentration, interweave liquorice roots, violets, and spices, followed by cedar, dark earthy minerals and meaty notes. The wine is rich and complex with dark details of fruit, spice and earth; mid-palate is creamy and bright, supported by balanced, lively acidity. A firm and minerally, fine-grained tannin extraction lends an opulent mouthfeel, provides vitality and, lingers with roasted coffee to a lengthy, satisfying finish. This complex and powerful Syrah shows dark fruit, spices and earth with depth and continually unfolding finer details."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "Immensely complex and engaging, the wine shows dark plum, spicy oak, clove and violet characters with nuances of cured meat and dark cocoa. The concentrated palate offering multi-layered mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by ripe fruit intensity and savoury nuances, leading to a lengthy plush finish."