2023 Pooley JRD Cooinda Vale Syrah, Coal River Valley

Medium-deep, bright red-purple colour; the bouquet fresh and peppery, with raspberry, red cherry and floral aromas—a touch of violet. It raises the question of viognier or other white grapes in the mix. Super aromatic, spicy and floral. Elegant palate with intensity and drive, all pointing towards cool-climate origin. Medium bodied but intense: a very stylish 'syrah' style of shiraz 08 Dec 2024 Drink 2026–2043

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Bountiful aromas of violets and vanilla with a dusting of white pepper. Following through to candied blueberries, allspice and orange on the palate. Finishing with a perfect crushed velvet texture.

Even though this wine is enjoyable while young it will keep developing for 10+ years.

A little background on the journey toward the ‘JRD’ …

It is little known that in 1999 Margaret Pooley sat on the back verandah at the Cooinda Vale property with grandson Matt drinking cups of tea and propagating cuttings. They talked about climate change and where it would lead Tasmania’s Wine future. That same spring Matt planted a small ‘trial’ block of Syrah. Four rows of this varietal that had minimal history or plantings in Tasmania, later expanded to eight rows which is enough to make 2-3 barrels depending on the vintage.

In its infancy the wine was blended away into the Cabernet Merlot, then from 2005 onward it was decided to sell the fruit. In 2010 the fruit from this block made its way into the Glaetzer-Dixon Mon Père – a wine that took home one of the most prestigious awards in Australia – the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2011 at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.