Redolent of diverse smoked meats; rosemary; and confitured dark cherry, and blueberry, the Maris 2008 Syrah Old Vines benefits from glycerin-richness in conveying a lush, plush impressions, while retaining a primary juiciness that largely overrides the bit of alcoholic heat generated in its finish. Black pepper, clove, rosemary, bacon, subtly tart berry skins, and saliva-inducing salinity combine for a pungent, invigorating, palate-staining finish that offers perfect counterpoint to this wine's sheer richness of fruit. This was not harvested until late September, surely a factor in its phenolic diversity. I suspect that this terrific value will be worth following for the better part of a decade and quite possibly acquire even more complexity.

The Soil: Dark brown and red coloured soils. The grapes for this wine come from vineyards planted on hard and soft limestone and alluvial soils. The texture is balanced and is light at the top, becoming increasingly heavy the deeper you go. The vertical clay migration reduces the carbon levels.

Variety: 100% Syrah

Vinification : The juice is vinified in oak tanks and during the four week-long maceration is gently pumped over with some punching of the cap.

Ageing : 100% in oak for 12 months.

Appearance : Deep red with mauvish hints.

Nose : Primary aromas of tar with smoky notes. Secondary aromas are of blackcurrant, prune and liquorice.

Palate : Complex with a powerful presence in the mouth. Balanced and silky smooth with a smoky, liquorice finish. - Winery