Al Shikoh

9.2

Fully opaque violet hue. Very aromatic with blueberry, blackberry, oak, and hints of violets on the nose as well as savory, bloody, gamey notes. Full bodied on the palate with rich, dark fruit, spice, and nice tannic structure with black pepper finish of medium length. — 9 years ago

with Drew, Lisa and 1 other

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Black cherry, raspberry sauce, bay leaf, pine sol, wet earth, toast. Yummm. — 10 years ago

Geoff Manley

9.0

Strong finish, good overall wine — 10 years ago

with Brendan

Andrew Stogran

9.2

Very tasty. — 10 years ago

Jimmy Smith

Director, West and North London Wine School

9.3

2012: old label but beautiful new fresh style of TH. Exceedingly aromatic, fresh ground black pepper, granite, and smoke. Not as fruity as the 2013 (to be expected) but ticking all the boxes of great Hawkes Bay Syrah. Palate is very spicy; cloves, cardamon, black pepper, blackberry, meaty with a softening edge after 2 years in bottle. Long length. Jubbly lovely. — 11 years ago

Sean Crosbie

9.5

Rediscovered in the pantry.... Left behind by my father, who always enjoys a good bourbon. — 11 years ago

Scott Spangler

9.7

Deep black cherry, touch of licorice, light cedar on the nose. Medium tannins. — 13 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

8.9

Lots of black fruit - cherry, plum, blackberry. Violet and spice. M+ acid and tannin. M body. — 9 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

9.4

Red fruit and black fruit-all berries. Soy and umami. M acid, body, tannin and finish. Light and refreshing. — 9 years ago

Rebecca Fletcher

9.6

Red cherry, savory, baking spice, ripe black plum. Wet rock and balsamic. M acid, body. M/m+ tannin. Still young but balanced and elegant. Long finish. Very unique in a good way. Beautiful wine. — 10 years ago

Ryan Mullins

9.6

Better than I remember — 10 years ago

Jason M

9.1

Jammy black fruit, black pepper, tar, dried flowers. Moderate tannins. Great concentration. Acids are medium plus, finish is long. — 11 years ago

Jenny Hemmer

9.3

Delicious balance of blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, cigars. Big & bold but with smooth tannins. — 11 years ago

with Brad

Kellie Dolan

9.4

Deep black cheery and blackberry with pepper and oak. Nice tannins and a bold finish. — 12 years ago

John Landis

9.5

Beautiful black cherry nose with deep translucent red color to the edge. Incredible fruit on entry and throughout the palate. Awesome wine with great finish! — 9 years ago

Eric L.

9.6

Lovely. Black fruit and herbs. Lots of structure. One for the ages. — 9 years ago

Robert Szulc

8.9

Full of fruit low acidity on finish. Tannins medium and pleasant — 10 years ago

Jimmy Smith

Director, West and North London Wine School

9.1

Softened out quite nicely now, with good deep black fruit, only gentle black pepper now, exotic spice, clove and smoke. Good depth behind wine — 11 years ago

Jeremy Bacchus

9.6

This is what big bold California Cabernet is all about. Pronounced black plum and blackberries with new leather and eucalyptus on the nose. This is followed by powerful tannins, though silky smooth, and generous dollops of ripe, but sleek portions of both cassis and blueberry. Bill Hill has outdone himself again with Prime Solum, I rate it 96 points. — 11 years ago

Ed Matthews

9.6

Nose of black cherry, plums, and slight funk. Deep ruby color, alcohol is medium, body medium plus, dark fruit on the palate with some pomegranate hints. Finish very persistent. Acidity excellent and tannins are very fine. Bravo. — 12 years ago