Sulky is Michael Downer's repost to what he calls Australia's "fixation" with varietal wines.
The 2016 blend comprises around 50% Syrah from Oakbank, harvested early, and an equal measure of Lenswood Merlot and Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir.
"With the Sulky, I really wanted to put together something that was soft and juicy, and quite light and vibrant in style," Downer says, and that's exactly what he has delivered. To realise his goal, a high proportion of whole bunches were retained, macerations were brief, all fermentations were via natural yeast and only old French oak was used. The wine was also bottled without any fining or filtration
Overall it's a vibrant red-fruited wine, with an underlying savoury quality, that shows bright cherry fruits, spice, and tapering to a fine, refreshing crunchy tannin profile. It's a delicate, yet intriguingly complex and vibrant red that is bound to banish any Sulkiness!