2023 Single Vineyard 'Iluma' Syrah

Winemaker: Erinn Klein

Grape(s): Syrah

GI: Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia)

Site(s): Iluma Vineyard

Vintage notes: The growing season leading into the vintage of 2023 was by all accounts our wettest and cooler in at least a decade. We managed to just stay on top of our disease pressure during the spring of 2022 and then benefited the rewards with near zero pressure close to harvest. A long, slow much later than normal harvest meant amazing flavour development, great acid retention in the grape across all varieties. Even our late Italian varieties we finally managed to get ripe.

Vineyard notes: On the northern slope of the Mount Barker Summit, at an altitude of 420m, is the Iluma Vineyard, home of our most inspiring and exciting grapes we grow. The majority of Ngeringa Syrah and Viognier is planted in the Iluma vineyard, facing west on lean, textured soil of micaceous schist and ironstone over clay. The Iluma vineyard is also long certified biodynamic with no chemical having been applied for 26 years.

Winemaking: The Syrah was gently hand harvested into small 15kg crates and mostly destemmed into small batch fermenters, with a small quantity of whole bunches placed in the bottom of each fermenter. The grapes were gently plunged by hand or feet, up to twice a day, for a long extraction over three to four weeks. This Syrah was pressed into new (40%) French oak barriques (228L) and puncheons (500L) and left in the barrel to mature for 18 months. A small dose of sulfur was added at blending, prior to bottling. No added yeast, no enzymes, no fining, no filtration.

Tasting note: A beautifully poised expression of cool-climate Syrah, offering aromatic complexity and refined structure. The nose is vibrant and perfumed, with a medley of spice - cinnamon, clove, and star anise - woven through lifted notes of red fruits and violet and subtle oak. On the palate, this Syrah is savoury and energetic, with juicy plum and red fruits at its core. A lively, sappy character carries through to a long, savoury finish, underscored by bright acidity that gives the wine tension, drive and great potential to age gracefully. The texture is sleek, with superfine tannins that are both moreish and elegant. A Syrah of balance, detail, and compelling drinkability.