Fruit is sourced from the Upper Yarra Valley. Wild yeast fermented in 29 year-old large format oak with 40% whole bunches. A distinct step up from the 2012 Crudo Syrah in terms of shape and structure. There won’t be a Reserve Syrah made anymore but after you taste this I don’t think you’ll be likely to complain.
Possesses a bouquet of smoke, roses and violets. Highly perfumed and extremely brambly. Red fruited high notes with strong mulberry, plum and dark cherry undercurrents. Pepper, bitter Campari, herbs and exotic spice. It does display a cactus level of stemminess – which is fine by me. Elegant cheekbone-like form and but it gains flesh in the glass, never feeling gaunt. A supple spread of tannin aids and abets fine acidity. Granitic refreshment on a finish that doesn’t let up quickly. While it tastes terrific after a decant now, its future looks particularly assured. 94+
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Diam
Price: $38
Tasted: March 2014