RACHIS SYRAH

Margaret River Syrah is noteworthy because of its fragrance and attractiveness in its youth.  A rachis (Latin botanical term) is the stalk to which the individual berries are attached.  This cuvee is so named because of the inclusion of 1/3 whole bunches (rachis) in the cuvee.  The rachis contributes perfumes, tannin and flavours additional to the grapes.

2023

97 pts IWSC 2025 "seductive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and a pinch of crunchy black pepper. The exquisitely textured palate delights with fresh blueberry and juicy pastille flavours, leading to a rich, smoky finish that resonates beautifully." 

92 pts Ray Jordan "Vibrant fruit on the nose sprinkled with spices and carrying a lovely savoury element. The medium-bodied palate has plenty with its supple structure and fine oak and tannin combination supporting a healthy layer of generous fruit. Elegant and stylish."

92 pts Erin Larkin, Parker Advocate "..spicy and aromatic, with dark chocolate and blackberries, leather, licorice and blood orange. In the mouth, the fruit is bright, and tannins are fine, moving toward silty. This is an impressive iteration of Margaret River Syrah from a producer that has long championed its virtues in the region."

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2022

Gold Decanter Wine Awards, London "Oozing prowess and decadence with it's captiviating dark berry and plum fruit and superb spicy, peppery infusion. Firm and meaty with a lenghty granite finish.:"

95 pts Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "There's so much power and intensity of flavour, it's hard to know where to start. OK, how about the fabulous ruby purple hue first, then the florals, baking spices, pepper and charry oak aromas, all flowing onto the full-bodied palate. Lots of poppy, bright fruit, especially plums and berries, an intriguing ferrous note in the mix, with tannins apletny. More time in the bottle to settle a good idea but hard to resist now."

94 pts Gary Walsh, Winefront "Blue and black fruit, lots of spice, pepper and grilled meat, a smoky tea-like aromatic, dried roses. It's medium-bodied, the flesh and richness of the vintage is on show here, dry and meaty, but with some raspberry sauce richness, something of a sappy/amaro finish of good length. Very Syrah, if you take my meaning".

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2021

95 pts Cassandra Charlick "Savoury and dense fruit jumps out of the glass, a ferrous line weaves through brambly black fruits, dried herbs, black brined olive, bay leaf and dark chocolate-covered liquorice bullets. Vibrant and energetic in the mouth, it hums along with juicy acid and fine, layered tannins covering the breadth of the palate. Oak is present yet artfully handled, and while this is drinking beautifully now, I look forward to seeing it in 5-7 years or more. Open this, decant it and be sure to enjoy it with a meal. My choice? A charred lamb rack, nice and pink on the inside. I kept coming back to this wine long after my first taste."

92pts James Suckling “Aromas of fleshy red fruits, white pepper and grated nutmeg. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and fresh with savory undertones. Nicely constructed with a juicy finish. Drink now."

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2020

NOT PRODUCED

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2019

95 Gold, International Wine Challenge, London

Trophy, Margaret River Wine Show

96 Gold Halliday Wine Companion “While the fruit occupies the midnight end of the spectrum, the pink peppercorn spice brings it back closer to the middle. This is succulent, fleshy, crunchy ... quite gorgeous. A resounding YES, and thoroughly of the 'modern Margaret River way' of shiraz. Bravo.” Erin Larkin.