Greystone Syrah 2018

Deep black ruby in colour with a nose of black peppercorns, blackberries and herbal notes of thyme and marjoram. Palate of juicy Black Doris plums, red berries and game meats with bright acidity, structured tannins and a long, lingering savoury finish.

The first week of November and the month of December were very hot and dry - perfect conditions for flowering. The vines produced a solid crop with large bunches. Careful leaf plucking to open the canopy and significant bunch thinning was required to ensure quality targets were met. Rain in January and February gave the soils a top up and ensured canopies stayed healthy. Overall one of the warmest seasons of the last 10 years.

Our small hillside block of Syrah was hand-picked at the end of the 2018 harvest. Fruit was then hand sorted before being fully destemmed as it went to open top fermenters. A cold-soak lasted for 4 days before natural fermentation started and warmed naturally to 30 degrees at peak temperature. The resulting wine contains both sensuous aromatics and fine grape tannins. The wine was matured for 15 months in 28% new French oak barriques, before estate bottling without fining or filtration.

Elavagé 15 Months