La Collina ('The Hill') is grown at Bilancia's steep, early-ripening site on the northern slopes of Roys Hill, overlooking the Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, co-fermented with Viognier skins (but not their juice, giving a tiny Viognier component in the final blend), and matured for 20 to 24 months in principally new (but 'low-impact') French oak barriques. A majestic red, it ranks among the country's very finest Syrahs. The dark 2019 vintage (5*) is powerful and youthful. Highly fragrant, it is weighty, with dense, plummy, spicy, complex flavours and a firm, finely structured finish. Ponder over it, or call it 'brooding' – it's a multi-faceted wine, set for a very long life.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2019
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $140 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Classic.
Past Vintages:
Vintage: 2019; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 37
Vintage: 2015; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 28
Vintage: 2014; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 27
Vintage: 2013; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 30
Vintage: 2012; Winemaker’s Rating: NM/7; When to Drink: NM – NM
Vintage: 2011; Winemaker’s Rating: NM/7; When to Drink: NM – NM
Vintage: 2010; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 22 – 28
Notes: WR provided by wineries. P = Peaked.
Reviewed February 2022