Jamsheed Syrah 2014, Beechworth, Australia

This again comes from the Warner vineyard in Beechworth, the same site that gifts us the Jamsheed Roussanne. Here the soil is a deep, pink granitic loam over clay, with some slate and shale. The Syrah vines here are now almost 50 years old and occupy a beautiful, west facing position opposite Castagna at 430 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Alpine Valley. Gary Mills shares the Syrah fruit here with Giaconda, but the wine that results could not be more different in style. Firstly Gary picks earlier, in the window where he feels the smoky, mineral granitic soils of the site shine through. To this end, he has been picking earlier and earlier. The 2014 season was perfect for the style that Gary is aiming for - vibrant and full of lip-smacking mineral freshness. This is really a beautiful, almost Pinotesque expression of Beechworth. Its medium bodied, yet intense with wild blackberry/bramble fruit, some smoky, meaty tones, plenty of graphite spice along with great balancing acidity. A wonderfully bright and sappy Syrah for when you want a wine of genuine finesse, perfume and freshness. Juicy and vibrant, featuring a mouthwatering mix of huckleberry, wild blueberry and boysenberry flavors at the core. Features plush, velvety tannins, with sage, cinnamon, Earl Grey tea and white pepper details that linger effusively on the long, intense finish.

Variety: Syrah
ABV: 13.2%
Vol: 750ml