2021 Bekkers Syrah Grenache, McLaren Vale

It’s the depth of colour that draws the intake of breath, and setting the pace of the wine that, through some vinous magic simultaneously offers elegance and power. Plum, blackberry and black cherry provide the fruit flavours, welded together on the lingering finish.

98 points James Halliday The Weekend Australian Drink now-2038

Bekkers has become one of Australia's most sought after small producers, with Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers crafting wines that consistently attract attention from collectors and critics alike. Drawing on Toby's experience as a winemaker and Emmanuelle's French heritage, the couple have built a reputation for producing Rhône inspired wines that combine power, elegance and remarkable detail. Their focus on exceptional vineyard sites throughout McLaren Vale has made Bekkers one of the region's true cult labels, with many releases selling out shortly after arrival.

The Syrah Grenache blend reflects the couple's fascination with the great wines of the Rhône Valley while remaining firmly grounded in McLaren Vale. Fruit is sourced from carefully selected old vine vineyards, with Syrah providing structure, spice and depth, while Grenache contributes perfume, brightness and silky texture. The 2021 vintage delivered ideal conditions, producing fruit with outstanding concentration and balance. Gentle extraction and thoughtful oak maturation allow the character of the vineyards to take centre stage.

Deep crimson red in colour, the bouquet is wonderfully complex, revealing blackberry, black cherry and wild raspberry alongside notes of violet, cracked pepper and dried herbs. Layers of olive tapenade, exotic spice and subtle earthiness emerge with time in the glass. The palate is seamless and beautifully composed, delivering vibrant dark fruits, red berries and savoury spice wrapped around fine grained tannins. Fresh acidity brings energy and precision, while the finish is long, elegant and remarkably persistent.

This is a wine built for the table. Pair it with slow roasted lamb shoulder, chargrilled duck breast, Moroccan spiced vegetables, wild mushroom pappardelle or beef short ribs. While already captivating with a decant, it has the structure and balance to evolve gracefully for ten to fifteen years, developing even greater complexity and nuance.