2019 Place of Changing Winds Tradition Pinot Syrah Organic, Heathcote

Estate-grown pinot noir and syrah sourced from a long-term grower in Colbinabbin. Here's a style that's having a bit of revival of late. At first sappy green tinges appear and reductive meaty nuances. They fall into place as a thread of juicy fruit and mouth-watering acidity come into play. The tannins are supple and while there's some raw woodsy flavour in the mix, the overall impression is a medium-bodied, savoury-toned wine.

92 points JF winecompanion.com.au Aug 2021

Place of Changing Winds is a vineyard in the Macedon Ranges area of Victoria that grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as producing two Heathcote Syrahs from a single plot of vines. ‘Tradition’ is a blend of the two styles of red produced: declassified Estate Pinot Noir blended with Heathcote Syrah. It’s a homage to these styles.

The name is a little joke but it also nods to the pioneer of blending Syrah with Pinot (in the ’50s and ’60s), Hunter legend Maurice O’Shea. Simply, the POCW team trialled the blend, loved it and so bottled it. With the two varieties providing a great foil for one another, you can expect lots of crunchy red fruits, some rose-like hints, bright, peppery freshness and a long, tangy close.