2020 Meadowbank Syrah, Derwent Valley

Meadowbank's award-winning history with Syrah dates back to the Estate's oldest vines (planted in 1974). In 2011 these vines famously led to the Jimmy Watson winning Glaetzer-Dixon 'Mon Pete' Shiraz. Alongside a portion from those 45-year-old vines, the majority of the fruit was hand-picked off a new, north-facing block. All the vines are rooted in Meadowbank's same soils of loose sand and sandstone over dark brown, coffee rock (sand cemented with iron oxides and organic matter). Although the vines are technically farmed conventionally, there team have effectively practiced organics on these blocks for two decades.

Expect a light and savoury red wine, with a satin-like texture that makes this very, very drinkable. A punch of acid, balanced with highly refined tannins that speak of the cool climate in which these grapes were grown. Super classy, it's a wonderful addition to Australia's slowly growing band of graceful, perfume-driven and digestible Syrah wines.