Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Syrah Hilltops Estate has a nose of red and black fruits with touches of earth, coffee beans and tar. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and chalky with crunchy fruits and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2018 Syrah Hilltops Estate takes time to give up mint chocolate, tar, aniseed and coffee beans with a core of fresh blackcurrant fruit and touches of violet. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled with restrained, floral fruits, a gently chalky frame and long, lifted finish. 500 cases produced.

Tasted as an assembled barrel blend shortly before it was due to be bottled, the 2017 Syrah Hilltops Estate has a deep ruby-purple color and youthfully coiled nose, very slowly opening out to graphite, grilled meats, warm black and red currants, pink peppercorn, cocoa powder, dusty earth, licorice and violet. Medium to full-bodied, it has youthfully firm, chewy tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and dense. 450 cases are expected to be made.

The 2016 Syrah Hilltops Estate is medium to deep ruby-purple and very savory on the nose: black and green olive, bacon fat, smoked meats, crushed blackberries and black cherries, toasted coconut and floral hints. It’s full-bodied and packs in the savory flavor layers, with a classy frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long.

Still in barrel, the 2014 Syrah Hilltops Estate comes from the top of Ballard Canyon where the soils turn from sand to more limestone. Fermented with 50% whole clusters and what will see 20 months in neutral oak, it has classy notes of blackberries, crushed violets, blueberries, incense and toasted notes. Drink this full-bodied, elegant and ultra-fine Syrah on release and over the following 7-8 years.