Murdoch James, Blue Rock Syrah, Martinborough

Casual blind session (Pine Close) : Tasted blind. Pop and poured. Drank over 2 hours. Screw-cap (revealed after guessing). Appearance is clear, medium intensity, purple colour. Legs. Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of smoke, stony minerality, granitic earth, dark red cherries. Youthful. On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium alcohol (13%), medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of white pepper, stony minerality, granite earth, smoke, bright red cherries, dark red cherries, ripe strawberries. Long finish. …