2024 Swinney Farvie Syrah, Frankland River

The combination of different blocks adds to its deep complexity, with the dark spicy fruit of one block and the blue fruit perfumes of the other. Delve deeper, and then an earthy gamey nori-like character starts spiralling out. There’s plenty of plummy palate coating fruit, which continues to its palate feel and rich opulence. Seamlessly structured with firm tannins and that understated integrated oak working seamlessly within the core of concentrated fruit.

 97 points Ray Jordan rayJordanwine.com.au

The colour is a vibrant purple magenta. On the nose we have notes of leather and truffles, animal hides, charcuterie, black fruits, beef stock, soy, hints of florals and a touch of blackcurrants. There is real power here, but everything is in balance. Good intensity throughout with juicy acidity and abundant, fine, powdery tannins. A wine which will easily see out the next fifteen to twenty years.

98 points Ken Gargett winepilot.com

In 2024, Farvie Syrah is The Guardsman.  I was half expecting this majestic Syrah to parade precocity and openness, given the welcome afforded by the other two wines, but not a bit of it.  Farvie Syrah has stuck religiously to the handbook, and it offers up a ramrod spine set about with perfectly pressed fruit, starched tannic lines and a gleamingly keen mineral pedestal on which it stands stock still.  I love the part-brutal, part-brittle anti-fruit detail here, which keeps the plush red and black berry eagerness under control.  The spiciness is teasing and raking, but never overbearing, and only when the finish looms you sense a creeping presence of malevolence, which is always welcome in this wine.  This is a statuesque Syrah, and it possesses remarkable grip and intensity given its reasonable alcohol level.  And that concludes the 2024 Farvie collection.  This fascinating story continues with yet another unmissable chapter of wines. 

19+/20 points Matthew Jukes matthewjukes.com

Swinney Farvie Syrah from Frankland River is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Western Australia's greatest expressions of Syrah—if not the greatest. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Rob Mann, Farvie is all about precision, purity, and a deep connection to site. Sourced from meticulously managed, dry-grown bush vines in Frankland River, this Syrah is a powerful yet elegant statement of what the region can achieve.

In the glass, it’s a deep, luminous purple with an almost inky core. The nose is captivating, with layers of dark plum, black cherry, and boysenberry, lifted by floral notes of violet and rose petal. Beneath the fruit lies a savoury backbone—cracked black pepper, star anise, and a hint of cured meat—reflecting both the cool climate and Mann's careful winemaking touch.

On the palate, Farvie is nothing short of stunning. Juicy dark fruit is framed by ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity, creating a wine that's powerful yet incredibly refined. Flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and mulberry unfold alongside earthy spice, olive tapenade, and a whisper of graphite. The texture is silky but structured, while the finish is long, savoury, and seamlessly balanced.

This Syrah shines alongside chargrilled lamb, roasted duck, or a rich mushroom tart. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses or simply enjoyed on its own as a contemplative glass. While approachable now, Farvie is built for the long haul, with the potential to cellar for 10–15 years, gaining further complexity while retaining its vibrancy.

Swinney Farvie Syrah isn't just one of WA's best—it's a contender for Australia's finest cool-climate Syrah, period. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, don’t hesitate.