95/100 The Real Review - Stephen Wong MW
91/100 James Suckling
Frank’s Selection comes from a special parcel of Syrah in our home vineyard, honouring a departed friend who once owned this land.
Perched on cliffs above the Ngaruroro River in Hawke’s Bay’s Mangatahi sub-region, these dry-farmed vines grow on a north-facing slope of deep red, gravel-laden soils, yielding small, intensely flavoured berries.
Hand-picked and whole-bunch fermented, the wine was basket pressed and matured in French oak. Bottled on site without fining and with minimal filtration, it may develop a natural sediment over time - a gentle reminder of it’s unhurried journey from vine to glass.
Only 550 bottles made
In the glass, it’s dark in colour with an aroma that is immediate and captivating—blueberry, five-spice, licorice and a flicker of black pepper. The palate is rich with fruit-derived tannin and supporting French oak characters.
A Syrah that’s expressive and elegant on its own, yet built to sing alongside beef, lamb, or wild game.
A warm spring catalysed an early bud burst. Sporadic rainfall coupled with warmer than average temperatures set a moderate crop through spring and early summer. From mid-summer, warm dry conditions persisted through until harvest yielding fully ripe, concentrated fruit in impeccable condition.
95/100 The Real Review - Stephen Wong MW
91/100 James Suckling
Frank’s Selection comes from a special parcel of Syrah in our home vineyard, honouring a departed friend who once owned this land.
Perched on cliffs above the Ngaruroro River in Hawke’s Bay’s Mangatahi sub-region, these dry-farmed vines grow on a north-facing slope of deep red, gravel-laden soils, yielding small, intensely flavoured berries.
Hand-picked and whole-bunch fermented, the wine was basket pressed and matured in French oak. Bottled on site without fining and with minimal filtration, it may develop a natural sediment over time - a gentle reminder of it’s unhurried journey from vine to glass.
Only 550 bottles made
In the glass, it’s dark in colour with an aroma that is immediate and captivating—blueberry, five-spice, licorice and a flicker of black pepper. The palate is rich with fruit-derived tannin and supporting French oak characters.
A Syrah that’s expressive and elegant on its own, yet built to sing alongside beef, lamb, or wild game.
A warm spring catalysed an early bud burst. Sporadic rainfall coupled with warmer than average temperatures set a moderate crop through spring and early summer. From mid-summer, warm dry conditions persisted through until harvest yielding fully ripe, concentrated fruit in impeccable condition.
