Babich, Winemakers Reserve Syrah, Hawke's Bay

New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting (Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls) : Very oaky, thick, bold, stalky, warmth (13%), black fruit, currant and cherry, palate shows oak notes, stalky, quite green, herbal notes, med finish

Wind to Wine 2016 (Sheraton Petaluma) : Light with rubber. Smooth. Red cherry, pith.

Fine for the price, casual quaff. Not at all complex and not much fruit.

K&L dropped the price here to $8 so you can get some affordable bottle age. True to my first note this is big without being burly...

(12.5%) 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier – Perhaps the boldest wine I’ve had at 12.5% abv. Forward fruit layering in nice floral notes before a rich blackberry, spice dominated finish. Well played, especially at $11 (originally $15). If I had confidence it would age well I’d be attempted to stash a few… Wine Geek Notes: Imported by Select Brokers

Had a bottle a couple weeks ago and it was harsh, gritty, and tart on PnP. A night later after some air it drank beautifully, showing dark fruit on a light frame, green olive, bramble, wet earth, and spice. This bottle was quite different, seeming fine on PnP and not changing too much over a couple nights. It was more fruit focused and modern with more obvious oak and a touch of mustiness. My guess is bret causing bottle variation?

very light, almost pinot like, not what one expects in a Syrah

An attractive pepperiness, rather thin, shrill, drink soon. Starting to tire. Needs food.