2021 Oakridge 864 Winery Block Syrah, Yarra Valley

Hand picked and sorted, 30% whole bunches, three weeks on skins, matured in French puncheons for 14 months. The superb colour is no surprise, nor is the perfume and sheer elegance of the wine in the mouth. Black cherries, black peppercorns and spices have quicksilver energy and speed. It only just makes the medium-bodied scale but will live for decades thanks to its perfect balance.

98 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Vibrant purple with a purple hue. Aromas are concentrated, bright and fresh with red currants, black cherry and cassis aromas with elements of bunch and a hint of cool climate spice and floral.

The palate is purely fruited, rich, textured and concentrated with long chains of plush velvety tannins. The fruit just flows through the wine, seamless and continuous. Generous and soft, the acidity works in harmony with the fruit. Syrah in its most purist form, all that is great about Yarra Valley and the variety.