2019 Levantine Hill Estate Syrah, Yarra Valley

Levantine Hill Estate Syrah from the Yarra Valley is a beautifully polished, cool-climate Syrah that balances sophistication with depth. Sourced from low-yielding hillside vineyards in the Yarra’s Upper Coldstream subregion, this wine speaks with the accent of the Rhône but the poise of Victoria. The estate is known for its commitment to hand-crafted winemaking and vineyard precision, and this Syrah is no exception.

Winemaker Paul Bridgeman takes a Burgundian approach to Syrah, focusing on purity, elegance and detail. Whole berries and a portion of whole bunches are fermented using wild yeasts, and the wine is matured in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, allowing the fruit and spice to take centre stage.

The result is a Syrah of aromatic intensity and graceful structure. Expect layers of violets, blackberry, graphite, and peppercorn, with hints of smoked meats and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied but commanding, with silky tannins, a mineral core and a long, savoury finish that lingers with finesse rather than force.

Ideal food pairings include duck with blackcurrant jus, lamb backstrap with rosemary and charred eggplant, or shiitake and miso-glazed eggplant for a vegetarian match. It will reward careful cellaring over the next 8 to 12 years.