2015 Castagna Sparkling Genesis Syrah, Beechworth

Zero dosage sparkling syrah. Meaty, rich and round sparkling red with tight bubbles. Lots of woody spices, chocolate, dark cherry, ripe plum, tobacco and clove. While it sounds savoury the fruit is to the task and leads the wine, rich and ripe. Very good, moreish line of saline acidity underlying. Character filled. So complex. So good. 

95 points Mike Bennie winefront.com.au

This is a serious Sparkling Red. The nose is deep and compelling; black, brooding, with hints of sweet ripe, cherry-to-plum fruit, then sweet leather – old leather, with a lick of boot polish that smells both intriguing and inviting. 
 
Then come notes of cracked black pepper and dried thyme, with just a touch of star anise. The palate is supple, earthen, rich and round with a fine dry spice – vibrant and alive, with a long savoury finish. It has zero dosage, very well balanced, the fruit and tannin deliver wonderful fruit sweetness, and is best served just a bit below room temperature, certainly not cold. A wine of spicy complexity and structured elegance.
Zero dosage.

Julian Castagna