Category Archives: Syrah

2010 Salo Hawkes Bay Syrah

The Salo stable expands (to two wines) with the introduction of this inaugural Hawkes Bay Syrah. Only fitting considering it’s a collaborative effort between Kiwi Dave Mackintosh and Aussie Steve Flamsteed. No sulfur pre-bottling, ambient yeast, 18 months in 15% new French barriques. As for the … Continue reading

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2009 Ben Haines Single Vineyard Syrah

Ben Haines has certainly made his way around the traps on his way to establishing his eponymous label. Most notably he was the senior winemaker at Mitchelton and a consulting winemaker at Yering Station. Judging from these initial releases he’s … Continue reading

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2010 Jamsheed Silvan Syrah

For my money, this is the most exciting release in the Jamsheed line-up each year. It’s somewhat challenging and unavoidably stalky but the play between pure, ripe fruit flavour and vegetal esotericism can deliver magnificent results. Dark purple berries sit comfortably … Continue reading

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2011 Bobar Syrah

Tom and Sally Belford are the people behind Bobar Wines. They make a miniscule run of this Yarra Valley Syrah - 200 cases in 2010 and I doubt that number has increased since then. It’s not a showstopper but damn it’s enjoyable. There’s a fair … Continue reading

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2010 Bird on a Wire Syrah

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 … Continue reading

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A Whole Bunch of Action at the Yarra Valley Wine Program

A WILD RIDE  It’s my life It’s now or never I ain’t gonna live forever The words were Bon Jovi’s but they rang out loud and clear from a very unexpected source; wine writer Winsor Dobbin’s mobile phone. On the … Continue reading

Posted in Arneis, Blogging, Burgundy, Cabernet et al, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Syrah, Tempranillo, White Blends, Wine Events, Wine Musings, Yarra Valley | Tagged , | 9 Comments

2008 De Bortoli Reserve Syrah

Yarra Valley 14.0% Screwcap $39.99 Source: Retail An extraordinary release from De Bortoli, possibly the best wine I’ve ever tasted from them…which is saying something. Give it a good decant and exult in its glory now but keep some bottles for … Continue reading

Posted in Syrah, Yarra Valley | 14 Comments