Bilancia La Collina Syrah 2024

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate writes "The 2024 La Collina Syrah is floral on the nose, with lavender, rose petals, pomegranate pearls, fresh blood, graphite, black tea and umami/bone broth inflections. In the mouth, the wine is light as a feather, elongated and ethereal, spiced and fine. It flutters over a long, lingering finish that is layered with star anise and clove—layers that settle upon one another, fine as sheets of tissue paper. Be still, heart. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Due to challenging vintage conditions in 2022 and the disastrous flood in 2023, there was no La Collina made in either vintage. In 20 years, there was no 2003, 2011/2012, 2022/2023. The La Collina Syrah is without a doubt, New Zealand's greatest Syrah, and it is a gift to the wine world. If it is new to you, make it not so. It ages with grace and ease and will only repay careful cellaring with years of joy in the future. Go slow and gentle."

James Suckling writes "Aromas of smoked meat, brambleberry, oyster shell, and bark. Some black tea leaf too. Full-bodied and chewy with ultra-fine tannins. White pepper. Dried lavender. Silky-textured with a long finish."