Nichol 2022 Syrah "Old Vines" 750ml

Blackberry, Marasca cherry, sage and liquorice aromas emerge furtively from the glass. The palate plumbs floral depths of lilac and violet, reaching a stony, granitic foundation. This is midweight yet saturated in flavour with tart red currant acidity simply vibrating. Velvety, elegant tannins are unimposing but give appropriate structure and just enough edginess. Serious and seriously delicious. Alas, this block of Canada’s oldest Syrah plantings (1991) did not survive the devastating January 2024 freeze. But there is a succession plan. Owner Ross Hackworth started establishing new plots through a massal selection soon after purchasing the property in 2004. These survived, and Hacksworth has no intention of giving up on Syrah.

94 points -- Michaela Morris, Decanter