My first encounter with Bird on a Wire came earlier in the year when a bottle of their 2008 Syrah was served with dinner at the Healesville Hotel. A lot of different wines crossed the table that night but it stuck in my memory as being slightly quirky and of considerable charm and merit. The 2010 release possesses those very same qualities.
It tastes big for a Yarra Syrah – loads of dark berries and plum with red cherry flickering above. Anise, meat jus and pepper complex the nose and palate while some whole-bunch work shores up the frame. The cascading flow of generous fruit spills over the stalky tannin in an affable manner on the back palate and a little Marsanne (1%) contributes further slippery textural nuance. There’s some warmth from the alcohol here but I find it endearing. A characterful wine and all the better for it. Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: December 2011