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. — 10 years ago

Ryan Mullins

9.6

last night chillin with W — 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

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. — 10 years ago

Sean Crosbie

9.5

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

Kellie Dolan

9.4

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

Jenny Hemmer

9.3

Delicious balance of blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, cigars. Big & bold but with smooth tannins. — 10 years ago

with Brad

Mark Mannebach

9.8

Like velvet, black currant licorice — 11 years ago

Richard Rynda

9.2

Crimson color. Mint and black fruit aromas with a hint of herbs and an underlying ripe note, a little pruny. Medium-bodied, with nice tannin. A little thin through the midpalate with a shortish finish. — 11 years ago

Scott Spangler

9.7

Deep black cherry, touch of licorice, light cedar on the nose. Medium tannins. — 12 years ago