Bilancia La Collina Syrah 2021

The 2021 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. Drink 2023-2041 (98) ERIN LARKIN, Wine Advocate

Raspberry, red cherry, apricot stone, jasmine. Medium-bodied, juicy sweet cherry and red fruit, lovely pumice stone tannin, finish is excellent. So delightful. GARY WALSH, www.winefront.com

Intense, firmly structured, fine-grained syrah with cassis, grape stems, spice/anise/cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate. Youthful wine with obvious cellaring potential. An outstanding syrah. BOB CAMPBELL, www.realreview.com