Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2019

This wine is about fragrance and texture. The 2019 vintage has a slight departure from previous years in that it's a pure expression of Syrah as we did not co-ferment with Gruner Veltliner . We used our favoured high proportion of whole-clusters to bring aromatic lift, complexity and structure to the wine. The 2019 vintage was exceptional in the Bay with incredible density of flavour as well as a resounding freshness. Enjoy now or bury it deep in the cellar to allow the beguiling tertiary characters of Syrah to develop.

Element is operated by Dominic and Rachelle Smith and is the smallest vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District®. The Syrah is made up of mostly Chave clone, with the balance to Mass Selection/Stonecroft clone. It is VSP trained and cane pruned, and it is run with true respect to the land and environment with no herbicides or systemic controls used.

We hand-picked the fruit on the 20th April 2019. We’re starting to know this vineyard well now and can tell that ~60% whole bunch component brings out the best balance between fruit and structure. This vintage was 100% Syrah (no co-fermentation), which has resulted in a real Syrah purity. The tank was hand-plunged 4-6 times a day during the peak of fermentation, and after ~16 days was drained and pressed to new and seasoned French oak, of which 35% was new.

New and seasoned French oak, of which 35% was new. The wine spent 15 months on lees and was bottled in June 2020.