The 2006 “Fromm Vineyard” Syrah has an intense bouquet, chocolaty at first but turning more earthy and autumnal. Great fruit concentration here. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins fine and the fruit expressive: blackberry, touches of black pepper, quite linear going towards the finish but always maintaining great purity. Nice grip, firm and masculine and suggesting that 4-5 years ageing is necessary to get the best out of this wine as the finish is tightly wound. Very fine. This was my first visit to Fromm, whose winery is based just outside Blenheim. Winemaker Hatsch Kalberer is a charismatic figure: utterly obsessed with wine and an open-minded view to what constitutes a great one. Importer: Empson, USA Ltd., Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-9099; fax (703) 684-2065