Tag Archives: Bridge Pa

What’s in the glass tonight January 4th – Syrah


bilancia-syrah-2014

Bilancia Syrah Hawkes Bay 2014 – $$

Deep dark carmine colour. 13% alc. This Syrah is a blend of three vineyards, 25% La Collina and the remainder from two vineyards located in the Bridge Pa Triangle, plus about 3% Viognier. I like it when Viognier is in the mix – it adds perfume.

There was an expectant savoury nose, with scents of ripe plums, pencils, black pepper, and red roses.

On drinking I noticed the usual rich red fruit flavours, plus there was a confectionery character through the mid palate, with vanilla over-laid, and a peppery finish, long and soft. Medium tannins. I also saw a salty element, and licorice.

Recommended  – 89 points

Que Syrah, Syrah


French Dinner

L and I were invited to share a delicious rustic French meal at M & G’s house in the weekend. Cured meats, fine cheeses to start, then a hearty cassoulet. Yum!

I raided the Pool Room and came away with a Dom. des Espiers Gigondas 2011 I rated highly from a tasting last year, and a Bridge Pa Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2009. I loved both – the older Bridge Pa just shaded the Gigondas, even though the latter had the advantage of Gallic charm. BTVG 4+

M shared a fantastic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the other guests brought a nice Pinot Noir, and after starting the evening with a nice glass or two of M’s home-brew beer brewed at the Occasional Brewer, I was feeling no pain by the end of the evening.

Good times with friends 🙂