Bob Campbell MW, October 2022 - 98 Points , 

Gold Medal, 95 Pts and NZ Shiraz Winery of the Year MIWC 2023

Appellations: Gimblett Gravels & Roys Hill, Hawke’s Bay Vineyards: 36% Gimblett Estate/28% Gimblett Stones/19% Thomson’s Block/ 17% Tin Shed Varieties: 99% Syrah/1% Viognier Harvest Detail: Picked: 28th March to 18th April Alc/Vol: 13.0%

2019 was a very warm season in Hawke’s Bay, characterised by New Zealand’s third-hottest summer on record. Very low rainfall in January and February continued into March and April, where it remained warm and dry, allowing the fruit to reach full physiological ripeness. Impeccable viticulture during the growing season ensured fruit quality of the highest order.

Syrah grapes were hand-harvested from several individual sites, blocks, and clones; de-stemmed and fermented separately. Each parcel was either hand-plunged twice or pumped over once daily during fermentation to aid optimum colour and tannin extraction. The parcels from our Gimblett Stones and Roys Hill vineyards were fermented with 100% whole bunches. The latter was also fermented with Viognier skins. The remaining batches were fermented with a high proportion of whole berries. These winemaking techniques were used to increase aromatic, structural, and textural complexity. Maturation in small and large oak vessels was utilised to further enhance the distinct qualities of each parcel. 60% were matured in 228-litre French oak barriques for 18 to 21 months, of which 34% were new. The remaining 40% were matured in seasoned 5,400-litre French oak ovals for 14 months. The final wine was blended in January and bottled in February 2021 with no fining and minimal filtration.

The 2019 Homage displays the complexity, sophistication and refined power that are the hallmarks of the marque. The characteristics of Gimblett Gravels Syrah shine through in a captivating, complex bouquet. Ripe blackberries, black liquorice, Chinese five-spice and crushed minerals are complimented by an exotic perfume of red fruits and florals. Toasty/cedary oak sits discretely in the background. The wine is intense and concentrated in the mouth with fine-grained tannins providing a powerful, yet silky texture. Balanced acidity and supportive oak ensure the wine remains vibrant, focused, and supple on a palate distinguished by exceptional length of flavour and a lingering spicy finish.

A superb wine of breed and provenance; that speaks of its place and represents the definitive expression of Syrah from New Zealand. Drink from 2023 to 2038. Decant before serving.

Awards:

Melbourne International Wine Competition 2023 - Gold Medal, New Zealand Winery of the Year

Decanter Wine Awards 2023 - 96 Points

International Wine Challenge 2023 - Gold Medal

James Suckling, November 2022 - 97 Points 

A beautiful nose of white and black pepper, blueberries, blackberries, grilled plums and clove. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Vibrant and juicy, with delicious savory spice and herbs that add depth and complexity to the meaty palate. A hint of floral notes. Layered and transparent, showing seamless balance. Sustainable. 

Bob Campbell MW, October 2022 - 98 Points 

Deep-tinted, fine-grained red with cassis, black doris plum, black pepper, dark chocolate, coffee, wood smoke and oriental spices. A complex wine with a wonderful texture and lingering finish. Delicious now but shows promising cellaring potential.

Jane Skilton MW, December 2021 

Although it hasn’t been released yet, it would be worth putting a note in the calendar to buy the 2019 Homage. The team at Trinity Hill continue to evolve the style of its flagship syrah; a small percentage of non-Gimblett Gravels fruit taken from a hillside vineyard has given a silky, floral edge, lightened the texture and given a slight slippery edge to the robust tannins. An impressive, age-worthy wine that really needs another 5-8 years to come into its own.