A Syrah grown on the famed Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels. 18 year old vines, at time of vintage, were cropped to low yields and hand harvested. Fruit was de-stemmed and transferred to a 1930s open-topped concrete fermenter where natural fermentation commenced. 16 months in French oak barriques – 55% new. 400 cases. Sealed under screwcap.
Bright, glossy, medium to deep purple in the glass with little sign of ageing which is due to ferment being hand plunged up to four times daily and then macerated on skins for 30 days. Dark florals and iodine with background notes of nutmeg and white pepper. Firm, grippy tannins with a dense base of plush black fruit. Flavour profile of plum, blackcurrant with some charred oak, savoury earthy characters with a touch of spice in the background. Nicely structured with good acidity that balances out the plush, dense fruit. I would expect this to further integrate over the next five or so years, and anticipate this to be a very long-lived wine, based on site and winemaker pedigree. 94pts
