Syrah Reserve, Lismore Estate Vineyards 2022

The 2022 Syrah Estate Reserve was dry-farmed on steep shale slopes with long hang-time on the vine. This vintage includes 50% whole bunch and aged in 500- and 700-liter barrels. It has an intense nose with black cherry, raspberry, Provençal herbs and wild thyme. The harmonious palate has a slightly powdery texture and wonderful backbone, reminiscent of a Côte-Rôtie, with white pepper and subtle fennel notes toward the finish. It feels quite linear at the moment, perhaps holding something back for later? Fabulous. Drink: 2026-2044.

Bursting with purple flowers and savory, spicy notes, the 2022 Estate Reserve Syrah was made with 50% whole-cluster fruit, offering a crunchy, red-fruited nose that pops with delightful tertiary expressions of turned earth and pencil lead. Light to medium-bodied and with 12% alcohol, the wine compresses slightly to show an earthy, graphite edge on the palate while slightly stemmy notes sway with fine-grained tannins across the mid-palate. Flavors of potpourri with spiced cherry skin somersault with red and purple flower essences before finishing with hints of pink peppercorn over the elegant and elongated finish. Just under 5,000 bottles were produced after the wine spent 11 months in 25% new oak barrels. Drink: 2023-2040.