2021 Meadowbank Syrah, Derwent Valley

Meadowbank’s award-winning past with Syrah dates to the estate’s oldest vines (planted in 1974). In 2011 these vines famously led to the Jimmy Watson winning Glaetzer-Dixon Mon Pere Shiraz. Alongside a portion from those 45-year-old vines, the remainder of the fruit was hand-picked off a new, north-facing block. All the vines are rooted in Meadowbank’s soils of loose sand and sandstone over dark brown, coffee rock (rich in iron oxides and organic matter). Although the vines are technically farmed conventionally, the team has effectively practiced organics on these blocks for two decades.

The 2021 was made with 100% whole bunches, was naturally fermented and spent 12 days on skins before it was pressed to old French oak barrels. It was matured on lees for nine months, before being racked and bottled with no fining and only a minimal sulphur addition.
 
Meadowbank’s 2021 is a beautiful expression of Australia’s growing band of graceful, cool-climate Syrah. It draws you into the glass with sweet spice and red and blue fruits kissed by earth and liquorice. The palate has grip and drive, and impressive structure carries pure and silken fruits with underlying spice and a lick of minerality. There is a light, perfume-driven tread here—it’s a Syrah with true flavour, class, and nuance.