2020 Bekkers Syrah, McLaren Vale

Clarendon and Seaview sourcing, harvested across staggered windows to impart textural detail and freshness. Fermented wild with gentle pumpovers. 50% bunches in the mix. Basket pressed to 500L French wood (55% new). The end result, as with all wines here, is one of consummate class and refinement. While the grenache is the leading light, this sits comfortably in 2nd place. Carnal spice, pepper grind, salami and blue to darker fruits are strung across bow of saline tannic tension, rolled into a firm gristly knot. Superlative grape tannins, mind you, extracted with a confident aplomb. The oak, a mere echo. This glimpses the finest crus of the northern Rhône through the lens of the Vale. Exciting. Exceptional. Rewarding.

96 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au Aug 2022