The other half of the haul

I'd been meaning to try the Elephant Hill Syrah 2007 for a while. We'd driven past the winery every day over our summer in the Hawke's Bay and had worked with one of the winemakers for a bit.

Upfront and 'in-yer-face'. Violet in the glass. Vivid and deep. White pepper and blueberry, blackberry and cocoa with a touch of menthol and sandalwood. Supple with a slight bloody-ness. Generous and approachable but not simple. Pleasing very Hawke's Bay, very Sweeney Todd Syrah.