2023 Warramate Syrah, Yarra Valley

All hand picked and berry sorted; 20% whole bunches and matured in barriques (10% new). A medium, bright crimson. Worth a few good swirls, which reveal red and black fruits, light spices and a touch of graphite. Immediately attractive on the light- to medium-bodied palate with balanced, gently grippy tannins making for a wine that can be enjoyed now but will still be looking good 4–6 years from now.

93 points PR winecompanion.com.au

Warramate Syrah from the Yarra Valley is a beautifully restrained, cool-climate red that leans into elegance, spice and savoury complexity rather than power or ripeness. Grown on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges, just next door to Yarra Yering, this Syrah reflects the region’s altitude, granitic soils and long, gentle ripening season. It’s a wine that draws more from the northern Rhône than the Barossa, with lifted aromatics, silky texture and precise structure.

The fruit is hand-picked from mature vines and fermented in small batches with a portion of whole bunches to enhance fragrance and build fine tannin. After gentle pressing, the wine is matured in French oak barrels, mostly older, to keep the focus on fruit purity and savoury nuance.

In the glass, it shows aromas of red plum, blueberry, black pepper, olive tapenade and a hint of smoked meat. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, with cool dark fruit, graphite and spice layered over fresh acidity and tightly knit tannins. It finishes long and savoury with a mineral edge and understated power.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled lamb cutlets, mushroom ragù, duck breast with black pepper jus or charred eggplant with tahini and herbs. Also great with aged Comté or firm goat cheese.

Cellar potential: drinking well now with a short decant but will develop beautifully over 8 to 12 years, gaining complexity and earthiness.