A modern, elegant, cool climate style crafted from our premier parcels of southern Margaret River Syrah (Shiraz). Wild fermented, with a portion of whole bunch fermentation and carbonic maceration, this aromatic, fine-boned Syrah is luscious, spicy and beautifully complex, representing the future of our favourite ‘alternative’ Margaret River red varietal.
2020 was a warm vintage with low yields resulting in good quality. Spring development was early followed by a warm start to summer and continuing into fine sunny, dry conditions throughout the summer months. This, combined with lower yields, brought an early start to harvest. Happily, we experienced minimal bird pressure due to the timely arrival of Marri Blossom and there was no disease pressure. Following the completion of white harvest, a rainfall event in late February provided a timely drink for the reds. Bird pressure increased resulting in the netting of our red varietals. The faster ripening period combined with lower yields led to incredible concentration in our red varietals, with substantial tannins and rich fruit flavour.
93 Points
A change in name from Shiraz in 2019 to Syrah in 2020 but no huge change in style, which has always been towards the more subtle side for this variety. The cooler 2020 vintage though has accentuated the savouriness and restraint of the wine although the tannins remain elegant. It’s quite shy to begin but builds nicely given time to sit in the glass. Deeply coloured, it opens with juicy black olive, earth, charcuterie and white pepper aromas well integrated with high quality oak. The palate is then bright and fresh, more mid weight than full, with brooding dark fruits and earthy flavours before finishing with grainy, balanced tannins. There is excellent fruit length to finish which bodes well for good drinking over the medium term.
95 Points
The fruit for this wine is largely from southern Margaret River vineyards. It’s made in a slightly softer and more restrained style to the standard shiraz from Vasse Felix. Beautifully aromatic and perfumed with a spicy dried herb mix. Carbonic maceration has been adopted to contribute to the light perfumes and effortless palate weight and smoothness. The tannins are fine and chalky and the oak brilliantly handled to complement. It’s a wine that almost redefines Margaret River shiraz. 95/100
95 Points
100% wild ferment, 20% carbonic maceration, 13% whole bunches. Matured for 11 months in seasoned French oak. Iridescent in the glass, and all silky flow on the palate. The 2020 vintage was responsible for a tranche of wines that taste, frankly, effortless. This is one of those wines. Gorgeous, with all the push and pull of exotic spice, Chambord, orange zest and crispy nori you could possibly want. Glorious.