Region: The 2008 vintage of Bilancia Syrah is a blend of approximately 15% la Collina fruit and 85% from Gimblett Gravels. (la collina (the hill) is our own terraced hillside vineyard on Roys Hill). There is also around 3% Viognier included in the blend.

Wine making: All the components were hand harvested and crushed to open top fermenters for hand plunging during fermentation. The Viognier component, from the la collina vineyard, was harvested and dejuiced and the remaining skins were included in the red ferment for co- fermentation with a portion of the la collina Syrah. The pressed wine was run to French oak, around 40% new, for malolactic fermentation and the wine was aged in these barrels for 10 months.

Bouquet & Palate: The 2008 Vintage allowed for the development of luscious plum and brambly fruits on the nose and palate. The palate also shows distinctive Hawkes Bay blackberry and black pepper characters with a floral, juicy palate and well integrated oak.

As with all of our wines, you can enjoy the 2008 Syrah young and continue to watch its development over the next four to six years.